Our Quiver Full

Is this winter?

2012-02-04T09:04:00.004-05:00

So I haven't really blogged much lately. I think after all the holidays and excitement I always feel like the first of the year kinda puts one in a slump of sorts. I even find myself hardly taking any pictures......I think in the whole month of January I took maybe 10-15 pictures?! Not really like me who ends up with over 100 pictures typically every month! And we've been busy--adjusting to our new "normal" I suppose too. I've been up and down with all that, we still have been doing preschool, homeschool, figuring out kindergarten for next year, ballet again, fun play times with friends, and this "not normal winter" we are having. Usually by now it's snowed multiple times and the weather is just so unbearably cold....but now it's February and it's been really mild. We've even had quite a few 50something degree days and been able to play outside for more than 15 minutes?! Nice, for sure to not be cooped up in the house all day long---but just not what we usually experience this time of the year. I finally took the camera outside while they played yesterday afternoon and thought I'd play some with it...kinda feeling like it was collecting dust just sitting on my counter!

"let me catch the ball Reed"

This boy is seeming so big to me more and more everyday! How did that sweet little baby grow up so fast?! We truly have a little boy for sure. He will start kindergarten this fall and we are really praying through what is best for him and our family. We've been talking about all of this lots and what is best for us all---lots of registration deadlines are coming up in the next couple weeks so it all is very consuming and overwhelming to me right now. I can't believe it's time to already begin this new season!

So this looks like a real old picture I know.....I overexposed it and tried to play with it in the editing, but I obviously still couldn't "fix" the lighting issues. But it was the only one I had of her with her hands on her hips and it's just too cute not to post. She kept putting her hands on her hips all day yesterday.....so cute!

First snowfall

2012-01-23T21:28:00.003-05:00

I've been a little absent from the blogging world lately. No reason, just season of life I suppose. Sad to say I haven't even used my camera much lately too.......but about a week or so ago we did have our first (and only so far) snow of the season. It's kinda bittersweet......I am not a huge fan of the cold, cold and nasty weather we often have here....but yet it seems odd that we are in winter and so far it's been so mild. I think by last year at this time there had been several snowfalls by now.

Of course the one time the snow fell it was freezing that day....I think 20s. They were begging to go out there and after the 25 minutes to get us all dressed I think they lasted only 10-15 at the most?! But then it was inside for some yummy hot chocolate.

A new chapter

2012-01-05T15:30:00.000-05:00

"I had always felt life first as a story: and if there is a story there is a story-teller."

GK Chesterton

I titled this a new chapter, because that is just where we are right now. We are not only beginning a new year, but a year bringing lots of changes for our family, a new chapter in our story, or should I say God's Story........

Our annual family photo at this year's staff fellowship back in August 2011--was a little windy that day!

For the past 7 years of marriage I've known one thing-life of full-time ministry. It's not always been so easy, really in all honesty it's been lots of sweat, blood & tears. As I look back on this season in particular (or any season for that matter), this chapter of the story God is writing--His story that is--- it's now that I have a greater insight/appreciation for how God has been at work in my life.

Summer project 2011---our family with all of the fraternity guys that Casey has been discipling since our move to UK back in 2009.

I remember going to our church that day back in October 2003, and seeing Casey in that Sunday school class. I asked the friend I was with--who are "those" guys? She said "oh they just moved here. They are on staff with campus outreach." Hmmmm, campus outreach? What is Campus Outreach?

Married CO staff couples out for a evening out fun & ice cream during staff fellowship August 2010

Those of you who know me, well you know I grew up catholic, had some early spiritual exposure in high school & early college with young life. But it wasn't really was until my junior year of college that I felt God really did a work in my heart and opened my eyes to who He was and my deep need for Him! For the first time I saw my sin, not just those bad things I did, but really that my heart was sinful in my nature; I was born a sinful being! I was broken, and knew I needed to be saved!! It was then I truly repented & understood it was nothing I did or didn't do, but rather that I was a broken & a helpless sinner in need of being rescued! I needed His righteousness, nothing in my own strength or ability could save me! So all that to say--it was then I was lead to a ministry called RUF. They are the college ministry of the PCA church. For the first time I truly felt I heard God's truths being explained to me. That God is holy, he is sovereign over all, only he is worthy of our praise! So during my next 3 years finishing my undergraduate work & beginning of graduate school, I sought out & soaked up all I could to grow deeper in my understanding of who God was! It was there during this time I made some sweet, lifelong friendships! One being the friend who years later I was visiting in 2003 when I saw Casey in that Sunday school class! Isn't it amazing to look back & see God's hand and plan be woven into being!

Sweet friends having fun during Staff Fellowship August 2011

The Duncan & Willis Kids who spent the first half of their summer at project in June 2011

So fast forward to December 2004.....Casey and I were married. 7 years ago, I married this man who I was in awe that God brought into my life. He was everything I was not! He was extroverted, zealous, passionate, and ultimately had such passion & desire to not just know God more but to make Him known (and on the college campus specifically!) I was scared and so insecure, walking into this ministry I really knew nothing about.

Some of Casey's guys---always loving on our children---excited to come out to celebrate Reed's 4th birthday!

In the past 7 years I've had the privilege of seeing ministry first hand. I've watched God orchestrate bringing His people to Himself time and time again. I know in these 7 years there is something I know I didn't have before, and really in the past couple of years I know God was working to grow me in this area. Intentionality. I have so easily been consumed with myself, that I am realizing I didn't have much vision for giving of myself, to want to reproduce what's been given to me! To long to be intentional and think how can I share this Jesus who has revealed Himself to me?!! And yet over the past 7 years I've watched these college students catch that vision. I know there are some ministries that maybe people feel forced or pressured to "lead a Bible study" or "share their faith" etc. That is not at all what I've watched my husband, or any other staff apart of CO do. In fact, I would say it's the exact opposite. They are very cautious and thought through in who they ask to be a room leader on a project, or team leader for the project. They want to know these students are mature and the spirit is leading them and cultivating in them a heart to desire to love and help those who don't know Jesus!

Lots of fun times with staff children.....we sure have watched them grow and expand over the past 7 years!

I write all of this because as of the close of 2011, we officially closed this chapter/season in our family. Casey felt back in October after much sought prayer and counsel that the Lord was leading him into a new phase of life/direction/work/ministry. Initially, we had no idea what that was.....so yes, we took this HUGE step of faith in leaving CO. We were trusting that in this step of faith God would reveal/lead/guide him where he wanted him to be. And it was amazingly swift....in a matter of days the Lord opened up an opportunity for Casey to use some of his gifts for a local business man. We were in awe at how once again the Lord is so faithful, and had His hand upon us, leading us in this new path.

Our entire Lexington CO team at staff fellowship August 2011

As I prayed and cried out to the Lord so many nights, days, years for a godly man to come into my life---to be my best friend, to do life together---I never in a million years envisioned him to be a man in full-time ministry. I was scared and fearful of so many things being in full-time ministry; and now 7 years later I'm so in awe of all God has done! It truly has been a honor and privilege to watch first hand the Lord draw His people to Himself! My prayer is now that in this new chapter that our family will continue to be "intentional"......and with my very evangelistic husband I have no doubt we will be! My heart desires to befriend, love, serve those around us--friends, neighbors, family---but ultimately I long for those who don't know Jesus to know Him! And that as a family we would together minister and share our Redeeming God with those who don't yet know Him!

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matt. 9:37-38

"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things." Eph. 3:7-9

I love this picture from this summer's staff fellowship women's time. We had just had a sweet day of fellowship and discussion on hospitality. All such practical discussion, but yet so stirring for me in growing in desiring our family to serve together. I'm thankful for these ladies. Several of them are new and have become apart of our team within the last 2-3 years. There are about 4 of them who have been here since when I first met & married Casey back in 2004. I'm so blessed to have known them and had them as my friends! When I knew no one and was scared and insecure they loved me and encouraged me! We have definitely bonded and grown together in the past 7 years as we've shared in this season of understanding one another. Lifelong friends indeed!

A reason to celebrate

2011-12-25T16:39:00.012-05:00

Merry Christmas! What a joyous day we have the privilege we have in celebrating the birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! In reflecting on this glorious day and what the arrival of this baby means I had a few thoughts....

1) God Himself came to earth!! Friends we are celebrating that our Maker & ruler over the heavens & the earth came to earth! He came to inhabit with his people! He came to lay his life down for us, those who are called according to his purpose. As I read in a devotional this week from a friend of ours, "God would be the great initiator of the invasion of heaven to earth. God had chosen to invade the earth in the most unlikely yet completely common way, through a baby. It is true that this “conception” was miraculous, but this Invader was brought into the world like every other human!! This is the brilliance of the plan of God. The sign given to the earth would be “God’s Sign”. The Son given to the earth would “God’s Son”. The messenger angel sent to announce the birth would be “God’s Messenger”. The timing of the whole invasion would be “God’s Timing”. Why did God choose to invade the earth as He did, when He did and with whom He did? God alone can give answers to these questions. He is the first and supreme witness to the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the only One that has

seen this invasion from its inception. He is the Master-Mind behind this great and awesome plan."

So as I see so many say "happy birthday Jesus" it bothers me that they are minimizing what this birth of a king really means! In thinking of the perspective that God INVADED the earth--how can we even compare this to our human birthdays?? He came born a man but yet he was God--the Creator & King of the universe!! He is so much more significant and bigger than saying "happy birthday Jesus" (which in all honestly makes me cringe).

2) I'm reminded of the depths of my sin & sin in my heart! Whether in the hustle & bustle of the "doing" & loosing sight of what we are celebrating. Or comments or words we may say to those closest to us out of thoughtlessness. Throughout this time I'm seeing more of how wretchedly sinful I am.....and how ever more grateful I am that our great God sent His son to earth, so He could live & die for me. So He would be the one who could cover all of these multitude of sins I'm faced with each and every day! He paid my penalty, and because I believe in Him (who knew no sin) I'm covered in His robe of perfect righteousness! Praise be to God!

3) He continues to amaze me and bless me beyond all measure! Because of this sin, because of what I really deserve, God is so faithful and abundantly gracious to me! He sanctifies me, He carves and molds away at me His creation. I certainly don't deserve such mercy---but because He sent this baby/His Son/King/Savior/Redeemer.......I continue to partake in these unmerited blessings. It's then I can have the perspective to look to what is eternal, to hope in what is to come......God our Creator and Redeemer coming to make all things new! Again here is another piece I read from the advent devotional that same friend sent us this week...."The Incarnation is a dramatic reminder that God is creating a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1) The Son of God taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Paul said, “the creation itself is longing for the sons of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19)

As we move through this life, we may be confident of this very thing: there is not one place on the planet that will not sing the eternal praises of the Son of God!"

I hope you all had a joyous Christmas.....celebrating the birth or the Savior and because of that the hope we have of what is to come!!!

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14

Christmas Festivities

2011-12-17T21:40:00.009-05:00

It has been crazy around here lately! Just even hard to have a moment to sit down and go through pictures! So I finally did tonight........

First of all--last Friday I had the opportunity to take Emery-Claire to go watch our local ballet theatre's production of the "Nutcracker". It was so fun for us to go do this together! We have several friends who dance with this ballet company, so it was fun for her to see one of them (as it was brief performance of Act 2 for school groups to go to) dancing. She loved it! As did I! And the 45-50 minute show was just enough for her little attention span. A great kickoff to our ballet weekend!

Friday night we had the dress rehearsal for Emery-Claire's ballet recital. As you can see she could barely contain her excitement to be on stage and dance! And this is just rehearsal!

Saturday....all ready to head out to her recital!

Posing after the performance....it was so sweet! She did great!

So excited to have Gigi (and Pops, and Aunt Jess & cousin Brody, and Aunt Nee Nee & new cousin baby Rett) to come and watch her!

So it was also a big weekend as we got to FINALLY meet our newest family member---baby Rett! He was born back in October and we have been so excited to meet this sweet little guy! So finally 2 months later we have, and we is so cute! It was fun to see the kids enjoy holding him and being so sweet to him! I'm so used to always having a baby in the house, that it really hit me that it's been awhile now. As you can see they loved every minute of it!

Mary Etta was soooo sweet with Rett. She kept rubbing his head and saying "I be gentle". After he left she has continued to talk about baby Rett this week. One of the cutest things she said was in response to "whose girl are you?" (usually a game we play and she alternates if she is mommy's girl or daddy's girl). So this week it was "I baby Rett girl!"

A cousin picture--Reed looks so thrilled doesn't he!

Also, this week Reed has his Christmas program at school. He did great and was so excited to sing all his songs they had been working so hard on!

Posing in his classroom by their tree.

Advent Calendar

2011-12-07T21:35:00.007-05:00

So tonight we had another little photo shoot to try and get some Christmas pictures. They did turn out a little better than the other night, but still the quality was not as great as I'd hoped. I think it is because my lighting in the house, once it's dark outside, is probably the cause. So as you can see I used a couple of them and changed the blog header to make it more "festive" I should say. I think I like it, but I really liked the other one I had......I just loved those pictures of Mary Etta I took outside. They were just so sweet! So don't be surprised if I change back-ha!

Ok now onto advent. I have had several friends ask me about my calendar. And I forgot that my friend, Rebekah, who I got the idea from has currently made her blog private (as I linked my post to one from last year, which linked to her blog--sorry for anyone who tried to look at it.). She is in process of an adoption and wanted (for security purposes) to make her blog private for now. So anyways, here is the copied list of symbols and verses I got from her to use for our advent tree. Basically I just got a advent calendar last year at Joann's I believe. I then made cut out pictures of the below symbols from felt (mine are nothing fancy....I'm no artist so they are pretty simple and decorated with glitter for some sparkly!).

I then wrapped a box like a present (a top and bottom lid) and put each felt ornament inside. So each day we open the box and pull out the day's ornament.....then read from the below listed passages. I ended up typing up all of these last year, as some of them are really long and way too wordy for little ones. So I basically look at my sheet for my summarized version for the children. They love it! And can't wait to break open that box every day---Reed is especially so eager this year!

It's so fun to see them be so excited to hear more of story each day. All the symbols and passages take you all the way through redemptive history & point to Jesus' coming; I just love it! I already emailed one friend my sheet with summaries, so I'd be happy to do that for anyone else---as some of these are long and really you have to be prepared before sitting down with your kids. So I liked having it all prepared before we sat down. I should be using the longer ones for my own time in the word everyday! So let me know if you want me to email you my summaries, it did take me some time to do it.

1. Tree for Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-3, 10
2. World for Creation: Genesis 1:1-2
3. Fruit for Adam and Eve: Genesis 3:1-13
4. Ark for Noah: Genesis 6:9-22
5. Tent for Abraham: Genesis 12:1-7
6. Lamb for Isaac: Genesis 22:1-18
7. Ladder for Jacob: Genesis 28:10-15
8. Coat for Joseph: Genesis 37:1-36
9. Burning Bush for Moses: Exodus 3:1-10
10. Heart for Ruth: Ruth 1:15-18
11. Lamp for Samuel: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 v. 4 God's lamp was still burning
12. Harp for David: 1 Samuel 16:14-23
13. Crown for King Solomon: 1 Kings 3:3-14
14. Six-winged Angel for Isaiah: Isaiah 6:1-8
15. Bible {Word of God} for Jeremiah: Jeremiah 31:31-34
16. Church for Nehemiah: Nehemiah 13:10-22
17. Fiery Furnace: Daniel 3:13-28
18. Lion for Daniel: Daniel 6:1-24
19. Big Fish for Jonah: Jonah 1 and 2
20. Baptismal Font for John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8
21. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Luke 1:26-38
22. Saw for Joseph, the carpenter: Matthew 1:18-21, 13:55
23. Star for the wise men: Matthew 2:1-12
24. Manger for the Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:1-20
25. Alpha and Omega for Jesus: Revelation 21:5-7

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

2011-12-05T22:12:00.003-05:00

So we attempted to take a few pictures around the tree tonight, well "attempted" would be the key word here! These were about as good as it gets! I guess I'll attempt more tomorrow. Everyone is loving the house all decorated and talking lots about Christmas. We've been doing our advent calendar (I mentioned it last year here)---Reed is so super excited. We started off well, but then the weekend was crazy and we got a little behind and had to play catch up today. It is so sweet to see them all excited, and excites me that more than lights, trees, presents, etc. I can really share what we are anticipating, what we are celebrating!

The girls in their so cute adorable matching Christmas nightgowns!

Embrace the Camera: dec. 1st

2011-12-01T22:40:00.003-05:00

Can't believe it's december 1st......entering into probably my favorite season/time of the year! This picture is from probably a month or so ago....but thought it truly captures all of our sweet little blessings, in my season of motherhood!

Thankful

2011-11-21T21:47:00.004-05:00

In honor of Thanksgiving here are a few things we are thankful for...........

Grandpa love

Fun times with cousins

Decorating cookies with Gigi

Silly family fun

and of course last, but not at all least, why the "Quiver Full" exists! In just a couple weeks we will be celebrating 7 years of marriage---wow how time flies! I certaintly can't imagine doing all this with anyone else!

Hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful thanksgiving week!

More rehearsal

2011-11-18T14:52:00.001-05:00

A little rehearsal

2011-11-18T14:42:00.003-05:00

Can't believe how hard this girl tries to focus and practice during ballet. Here she is the other day working hard! And not sure what the deal with the falling is?? She doesn't typically do that. But you'll notice her stare hard at floor; it's because they have these stickers that are their "spots" and she was looking for hers to make sure she was in the right place. So I guess for 3 she is as graceful as she can be, but regardless it still looks so sweet! Happy Friday!

Iphone pics

2011-11-14T21:40:00.005-05:00

So this is really random post; but I thought I'd post some of these pictures I was going through on my phone. I actually upgraded and got a new one; so I hadn't even downloaded most of these onto the computer. Looking back at some of them over past 6 months or so....it's just amazing how much theses 3 have changed!!

This one was taken last October. I was headed to a girls weekend with some friends and dropping the girls off with my mom. Reed was staying home with Casey for boy time. Little did we know how much of a hard time he had seeing the 3 of us girls leaving! Poor little guy; I felt so bad for him! I thought he'd love Daddy time but was so confused with all us girls being away for a couple nights. Though I think a year later, he'd eat it up! He can't seem to get enough of Daddy time these days!

Seriously one of my favorite all time pictures! Our own fancy nancy!

Oh my this is ME last year around this time (or probably December with her HO HO HO shirt). Wow, she looks like such a baby still there!

This was from Reed's Family Fun Night at school back in the spring. He loved the wildcat he had painted on his face.

This summer while at the CO summer project. We found a great library there and attended many story times.....they loved it! There were puppets and it was so intriguing to them all in the very decorated story room!

Birthday girl at the beach for her birthday; we were going to get her a balloon and cupcake!

Little performer!

Emery-Claire is such our imaginative child. Here she is with phone in hand and her pad of paper and pencil. She had told me she needed to go make some notes and make some phone calls!

Our own ballerina!

Painting and pumpkins

2011-11-07T20:27:00.007-05:00

So I realize Halloween was over a week ago now....sigh.....as it goes, I just can't keep up fast enough. I'm just now downloading the camera. I had a few couple things we did leading up to Halloween I thought I could just post all in one!

So we painted our pumpkins from the pumpkin patch we got a few weeks ago. This little guy was so proud of his smiley face on his pumpkin!

Our dried, finished products.......

We didn't have a chance to carve jack-o-laterns (I know I'm a terrible mom!); so instead we made these pumpkin masks that kinda/sorta look like jack-o-laterns-ha! My improvising with construction paper didn't make them very sturdy, so they ripped within seconds of making them.

and seriously we really loved them.....can you tell.....

then came time for the "BIG" day.....how excited they were to go trick-or-treating!

2 fairies and Batman

we had a little pre-party up the street with some friends and neighbors before going to collect all that candy. here are Batman and Captain America in rare form ready to go do some saving

and of course our family photo....oh yes, my husband is so in rare form! last year he was just a red-neck; this year a red-neck hunter--pretty scary, huh

and off to trick-or-treat!

so we left the party and went back around the corner towards our street. we had got up one side to the top of the hill, and started to come back down towards our house. we had maybe done 2-3 houses on this other side and instantly the comments were

Reed: "mommy I'm tired; I'm ready to go back home now"

Emery-Claire: "mommy I think I have enough candy for the night now"

and then sweet little Mary Etta kept eagerly running to every door so excited to say "tick-a-teet!"

sitting back now and enjoying the candy, or "teets"

our neighbors across the street set up a big bonfire and pass out candy together; so we went over there to visit with them for a bit. our little neighbor was excited to pass out some candy from our bowl as well

and last but not least i thought it'd be fun to see last year Halloween

and this year......seriously, can I please press a pause button!!! sure tugs at a mama's heart to see how much they really have changed!

My Boy

2011-10-29T23:13:00.008-04:00

Well, now that it's been over a month ago that our big boy turned the big 5 years old......I thought it was fitting to share a few pictures from his special day (well, or week as it turned into as I mentioned in this post).

birthday morning celebration with some yummy doughnuts & loving the birthday hats

so i don't like to bake....because seriously i always mess things up! but i did make these cupcakes & attempted my own "artwork" (if i can call it that) at superhero symbols

"superhero friends"....showing their special crafted masks and capes

So finally about a week after Reed's birthday we did put together a little celebration for him with some sweet little friends--who both live right around the corner from us. And a new friend we have gotten to know from Casey's hometown......they just moved here a couple months ago and Reed and Hudson hit it off so well. So it was fun to include him in our birthday fun!

and last but not least.....a very excited boy opening his legos........aunt neenee you made his day for sure; as he's been asking for legos for months now-ha! and yes, jess he LOVED his remote control car as well; i just didn't have a picture of him opening the presents when mom arrived with them. he loved it so much he's broken it already; but still tries to make it work and use it!

so a happy, happy birthday was definitely had by our big 5 year old!

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T15:26:00.006-04:00

So a few weeks ago we went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch with Reed's class. Mary Etta still talks about it....always asking "mommy, I go punkin pat." She loved it! And sweet Emery-Claire still is asking me to take her, since that day she was at her school.

So here are a few fun pictures from our trip......

Reed picking out his pumpkin

Reed has a couple friends from church in his class....so here he is with them and siblings!

His sweet teachers, Ms. Missy and Ms. Donna

Two year pictures

2011-10-05T15:44:00.010-04:00

So it was well over 2 months ago this sweet baby girl turned 2 years old! So I thought I'd just try my own photo session in the backyard! So needless to say between our crazy schedule, weather, just everyday busyness I've had some conflicts to get these done! But after 2 attempts I think I finally got some good ones..............

Embrace the Camera--Thursday, Sept. 29th

2011-09-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

So we haven't "embraced the camera" in some time now! So in honor of our birthday boy I thought I'd start again with this one we took on his birthday.

As confusing as it can be for a 5 year old, it was......the actual day we were able to celebrate in the morning with doughnuts and singing and candles. Then Casey and I went out of town and he had more celebrating and a few presents with Gigi and Pops. Then when we returned home Sunday he got to have dinner of choice--pizza and open his presents from us. And finally this weekend will be a small celebration--"superhero style"-- with just a couple friends. Whew, this has literally turned into a birthday week! Happy birthday little buddy!

5 Years Ago Today.......

2011-09-23T06:00:00.004-04:00

this sweet boy came into our lives.......

I seriously can't believe we have a 5 year old! How I feel he's always been with us, but yet I feel too like it was yesterday we were so anxiously awaiting his arrival, and to hold him in our arms for the first time!

Last year I wrote this post about him turning 4 years.....I guess each year really is a big deal. But for some reason 5 seems so monumental....as they are not really toddlers or hardly even preschoolers anymore. They are entering into a season of school-age, and that sure seems like a whole new world for sure! Though I wouldn't trade where we are at all; I do love and savor the past 5 years with this sweet boy--and it's also so fun and such a privilege to be where we are as well.

Reed is such a blessing in our lives; he has such a sweet heart. He has become such a helper these days, and he is always eager to please! Most of the time-- he is such a sweet big brother to his sisters. He loves to cheer them on--whether it's in watching Emery-Claire in her ballet class or encouraging Mary Etta in something new she is attempting, he truly is genuine and sincere in his words and actions to them. Lately, he has been questioning heaven and characteristics of God. Today we had a conversation that went something like this:

Reed--"heaven is a far, far, far away land"

Erica---"well, yes, heaven is God's kingdom"

Reed-- (not sure why this continued from one topic to the next but it did--I guess his little mind is just thinking so fast about so many things!) "Mommy we are sinful; and have sinful hearts. we need to pray that the Lord would change our hearts so we can be with Jesus."

Erica--"yes that is right. Has God changed your heart?"

Reed--"nope. not yet. I have to get bigger first!"

Well at least he knows what has to happen!

Happy Happy 5th birthday to one very loved little boy! We sure can't imagine our lives without you! We are so ever thankful for your sweet life, and know what a honor and privilege it is to be chosen as your parents! We pray each and everyday that you will never remember a day that you didn't know and love our Lord Jesus Christ! We love you!

Outside Fun

2011-09-13T20:35:00.004-04:00

This year for the girls birthdays I decided I wanted something everyone could use, no more toys upon toys that we really don't need! I've wanted a playset for some time now for our backyard for them all to play on, swing, slide, etc. So I asked instead of gifts for family members to contribute to the set so we could purchase one and get lots and lots of use out of it!

So finally the last weekend of August my parents came up here and we were able to get it all put together and set up! They have truly loved every minute of it, as have we! It's so great to tell them they must stay in the backyard and they do because they have pure fun and entertainment back there!

And lots of fun enjoying with our friends too!

So thank you, thank you to all our grandparents for contributing to our wonderful new playset! We are so thankful and love it so much!!

Little Ballerina

2011-09-08T20:53:00.003-04:00

So today marked another of "firsts" for our full of life, Emery-Claire. We started her ballet classes for the first time today. Oh my she is just so stinking cute!! She is such a tiny little thing, and then to see her in those tights, leotard, and shoes---seriously she is the cutest thing! She was so excited and couldn't wait to get in the room. I was amazed that in a class of 3, 4, & 5 year olds that the instructor kept them all in line as well as she did! Especially the new, young 3-year-olds who had no clue what they were doing! Of course our active child needed a little re-direction at times, but considering it was so new to her she really did great! And more importantly said she loved it!

Getting her shoes ready by Ms. Nancy

So ballerina like huh?! But oh so excited as she kept looking and smiling and waving at me and Reed.

So fun! I didn't get a closer up picture of her, but will probably take the camera back again and will use the more zoom lense as well. I'm so glad she did so well and had fun too!

Her first day

2011-09-07T06:50:00.004-04:00

sweet sisters hugging before our venture off.....Mary Etta and Mommy had their own full day of running errands and lunch together. it is sweet to have alone time with her, as we obviously don't get that very often!

So yesterday marked another big day for one of the Willis children. Our little and full of life--Emery-Claire had her first day of "school". Emery-Claire is attending the Mom's Day Out at our church (Reed did as well when we turned 3). She is just going once a week, and was so excited to go yesterday she could hardly stand it! She excitedly ran into the room, she did need a little prompting to say hello to her teachers, and was very excited to see lots of new friends and many familiar ones as well! She did not cry and went right away to the table and began doing the table activities. So I was just as excited for her....she is so social and loves being with people, so I'm sure if she could she would go everyday!

the differences between boys and girls--well it's amazing. it's like pulling teeth to get reed to tell us much about his day at school. well, this child couldn't stop telling us all sorts of things. whether it be about 2 children who didn't share, or how the teacher told her to quit pulling up her dress, or how much she enjoyed her snack "it was fun" she said! she had lots of stories for sure! i'm glad she enjoyed so much. happy first day sweet baby girl!

No training wheels!

2011-09-04T07:02:00.003-04:00

So the past couple days Casey has been working with Reed to ride his bike without his training wheels! I'm amazed at how quick he's caught on! He is so excited and proud of himself, it's so sweet! I truly have a little boy.......This is filmed sideways, sorry. But it's short and sweet, so I know grandparents will eat this up regardless of the filming!

First Day

2011-08-23T20:48:00.006-04:00

Today marked another big day for our very becoming BIG BOY! I often look at this sweet boy and sometimes it feels like yesterday I first held him in my arms, but then it sometimes feels like ages ago as well! How do I seriously almost have a 5 year old??!! I know people say that sort of thing all the time, but seriously I do!! And with that I also so can't imagine sending this baby boy to kindergarten! So you have to be 5 years by October 1st (we barely would make it having a Sept. 23rd birthday). What's really crazy is that if his birthday was just a week later he wouldn't make it??!! I recently read this book.........

so great for mothers of boys to read! If you have boys you should SO READ this book!! Dr. Sax is a pediatrician and has some excellent thoughts on raising boys in today's society---basically because of so many factors they are so not motivated in school and to learn and work, etc. But he is a big supporter of waiting another year for them to start school---so rather than 5, start at 6 (which is especially helpful for these late summer/very early fall birthdays). I may think different for my girls (but as we all know boys and girls in their learning and social skills are soooo different!). But I definitely feel we made the right decision for Reed to not do kindergarten this year. He is still attending the preschool he went to last year, and he's in a 4-year old class. There are lots of 5-year-old classes/programs, but most of them are 5 days a week 9-12........which I guess preps them for school, but honestly with 3 young children I think I'd just feel I was driving in the car all morning everyday! So we decided last year he could do the 3-year old class and this year do the PreK class. And I am testing the homeschool waters this fall as well. I have some simple curriculum I'm going to use and then do that with Reed on Mondays & Wednesdays. Now this is nothing he "needs" but since we have been thinking through what is best for our family I knew in order to really know how we would all do I needed to give it a practice round. So I've been planning and organizing like crazy around here! So we'll see how we all do and how it goes!

Off to orientation day

Now back to the first day! Last Thursday was an orientation first day (so they only go for an hour). He was so excited to go and be in his new class! I was kinda bummed that his one little friend he just loved from last year got put in the class next door; and our neighbor who he has played with some also got put in that same class next door---oh well, I should have thought about that more and requested them to be together. But they all go to the playground at the same time, so at least they'll still get some time together. And I think I really love the teachers he has as well......so I'm hoping we still have a great year and make some new sweet friends!

So excited in his new class!

So here is the first official day pictures from this morning! I know today he looks so big to me already! But I can only imagine when I compare this first day to the last day of school.......well, this sweet boy is so growing up! And mother of the year I am on this first day.....forgot to send his snack! And I didn't even realize it until at 12 I was getting the girls lunch and saw it sitting in the fridge! I felt so bad....I never once did that last year, but leave it to me on the first day this year to forget! Oh well, I had at least packed lots in his lunch so his teacher said they just used something in there. He said he had a great day and loves his new class! And he did play with those 2 friends on the playground!

One "BIG" Birthday!

2011-08-19T07:00:00.011-04:00

Birthdays, they come and go.....some are big ones, others just blend in I suppose. Well, we have a fairly big one to celebrate today! My mom celebrates 60 years of life! 60 seems like so many years full of life, but yet I feel like she is many more years youthful than that--so it seems so weird to say 60.

I am so very thankful for my mom, thankful for her love, friendship, encouragement, compassion, faith, heart, and many many more attributes I could list about her. I know I am greatly blessed having her as apart of my life. She was at home with us when we were young--there to welcome us home after a long day at school, ready to listen and encourage school girl dramas and issues.

I am thankful for her model of loving us all when I'm sure there were days it was hard too, giving and sacrificing her days and life for all of us---which is often rare in our culture of mothering today. She was home, she was available, she was always there! And into high school and college she was there---always ready to listen and counsel, and such a prayer warrior for her children indeed! I'm thankful now to have her so dearly love and give of herself to my own children--she truly treasures her time with them, which again is a blessing as I know there are many grandparents out there who don't always delight in just being with their grandchildren, nor do they do it very willingly.

This past weekend we were all 4 (my mom and my sisters) able to celebrate her life together on a girl's only weekend! I did have one sick little baby girl on Friday (throwing up and fever does not make it easy for one mama to get away), but after that shot of phenegran and some clear liquids and rest I was able to get away first thing Saturday morning--as what appeared to be a 24 hour bug had passed thankfully. So I met up with the gals and we went to grab lunch and get pedicures........

then ran around to do some fun nashville shopping! especially lots of fun shops in downtown franklin---so so fun!

then grabbing a fairly quick dinner at calypso cafe (one of my favorites) before heading off to see "the help" (would you believe I just finished the last 30 or so pages early that morning before i left??!! I know I'm crazy......but with our past crazy few weeks I just couldn't get it all read before, and I knew we were going to see the movie and I definitely couldn't go without having finished the book!

Off to grab some dinner and go see "The Help"; and then some yummy sweet ceces!

We truly had a great weekend together! I'm thankful for all of our relationships and taking this time to bond together--sisters and mom! Mom we love you so so much, and we look forward to celebrating many many many more years of birthdays with you!!

Beach Photos

2011-08-17T10:14:00.005-04:00

So we tried doing some family beach pictures while we were there last month. For the most part they turned out fairly well......considering! So here are a few from the massive amount I took!

July Travels-Part 3-Beach Week!

2011-08-06T16:26:00.005-04:00

So our children weren't huge fans of the sand......we took them down there a few times (it kinda stunk as the beach was full of seaweed/algae all along the shore (which you can see if you look closely in the background of the picture above)--it actually looked pretty gross; as was the water which looked all green and gunky too). So they mostly threw sand on each other and cried as they had it all over themselves (and we needed one of those big tents to sit under, so I felt a little unprepared to have them down there). So needless to say the beach didn't last very long--we spent lots more time at the pool! They could have swam in there all day!

Our children loving every minute of the pool.......

So we got to spend a week at the beach in July. It was fun having us all together---was it restful, relaxing, no, but yes I think we all had some good family time together! No distractions or responsibilities like we have daily at home to tend to (besides caring for our 3 little people).

Eating a little homemade ice cream at a local shop---so yummy!

Date night for us---we did get a couple nights off by ourselves and an afternoon of shopping! This night we got to go to one of our favorite places called the Red Bar, in Grayton Beach, love, love, love that place!!

July Travels-Part 2

2011-07-30T10:56:00.004-04:00

After we left my dad's we headed towards our beach destination! We haven't been on a family beach trip since Emery-Claire was a baby. Casey is not a huge fan of the beach, but he was willing to go this time.....though taking 3 small children (and we did have Casey's mom go too) we weren't sure how smoothly things would go, and hoping we'd get some alone time together too. So on the way down to the gulf we stopped in south Georgia to have lunch with some dear friends. Kathy is probably one of my best friends, and I'm so thankful for our friendship! It was great to see her (it has been a little over a year ago that I brought Mary Etta and came down to visit her).

Our girls "meeting".....Our oldest (Reed & Addison are about 3 months apart) used to have play dates lots while we lived close and before they moved away about 3 years ago. We were both pregnant with these 2 girls when they moved (and they are about 6 months apart). Now EC at

3 years and Isabelle 2 1/2 years, we know they seem to have similar personalities and would probably be the best of friends if we all lived in the same town. It was so fun to see them interact and engage with each other.

Finally we arrived in Seagrove.......I do just love the gulf coast! It was late afternoon when we got there so we took the kids down to the beach to explore and see the ocean. They seemed so excited to run in the sand and feel the warm sand in their toes.

July Travels-Part 1

2011-07-25T21:35:00.005-04:00

Reed enjoying the tractor ride with my dad; he was so excited!

Let's see...where to begin....so July (as has the rest of the summer) has been a little crazy for our family. After we got back from project we were home for 2 full weeks---oh how wonderful to be in our own home, but we had some family plans during our free month so we hit the road once again! I've had a hard time organizing all my thoughts and going through way too many pictures. Oh and our camera just quit working while we were on vacation...thankfully it was the last day and we had just taken family pictures and some of Mary Etta on her birthday! The camera had an extended warranty so it's off being fixed/replaced/etc.

So back to July......we were here for 2 weeks and did swimming lessons---and just enjoyed being home for a bit. Then we left for a weekend with my Dad and stepmom at their house on the lake. The kids had a blast, and we all enjoyed visiting and time on the water!

the girls taking a boat ride--this was Mary Etta's first!

Reed's first tube ride! As you can see he loved every minute of it!

Is my baby really 2 years old?!?

2011-07-22T14:16:00.003-04:00

So a week ago my baby turned 2 years old! Yes, she is 2 years old! A mother knows this day is coming, it's just inevitable. But still as much as I'm trying to savor the little years, they still fly by as fast as these pictures fly by in this video. I made this video for her last year on her 1st birthday--and with all our crazy summer travels (project, family visits, beach vacation--lots of pictures to post soon!) I barely had time to put this together a week later! I know this is such a sweet, sweet time watching her grow and change so much.....but it definitely has come and passed much faster than I would want. I look back at all these pictures and really am speechless at how we managed having these 2 girls 14 months apart. But I suppose it's like many other of life circumstances, we just did---and the Lord was gracious to us in giving us the strength, enabling us love them and care for all 3 of them! Mary Etta you are such a joy and a blessing to our family, we love you so so so much!

Happy 2nd birthday Mary Etta Caroline

2011-07-16T22:10:00.001-04:00

Today this sweet baby girl turns 2 years old! It's been a whirlwind of a past couple weeks, and we've been on a family vacation.....so her birthday was celebrated while we were out of town this year. At least she is just 2, and still doesn't quite understand the whole birthday thing at this point.

So onto the birthday........mainly my baby is 2! I think for the past 4 1/2 years I've constantly had a baby....so I really can't believe the youngest is 2! She is so fun, so full of life, and the sweetest little baby ever! But boy is this little girl becoming way too independent for her mama. Just this week she decided to pee on the potty.....seriously?! She is asking to go everytime we change her diaper---and I have so not encouraged this either. After spending the past 2 summers potty training people, I thought I'd take this one a little slower, but I don't know she may have her own agenda here. And then while on our vacation this child was swimming like a little fish! She did have on her lifevest, but she figured out how to kick her legs and quickly propel herself from the spot to where she jumped in the pool back over to the steps. Amazing! She is quite independent these days--making her seem more like a little girl and less of a baby. Sigh. So we had a family lunch, then family trip to see "Winnie the Pooh" movie (both girls first movie theatre experience)--and she did great! Sat so still and loved every minute of it! Then after her afternoon nap I took her to Publix to get a birthday cupcake and balloon. We sang, helped her blow out the candles and open a couple small presents. So all in all she had a great day I believe! Happy birthday baby girl, what joy and life you bring to our family; we are so thankful for you and love you so much!

A day in the life-Thursday

2011-07-07T06:59:00.011-04:00

Day 4 of "a day in the life"! It is tedious writing down all we do, but I think I have enjoyed thinking about our days and how we are spending them. It definitely makes me very aware if I'm diligent and wise with my time and how I spend it, or if I'm being lazy and unproductive. I do know I rarely sit down, except to check something on the computer! I don't have time to sit still....and the minute I do I'm zonked!

My alarm went off at 6:15, boy I was dragging this morning. This is pretty typical by the end of the week and getting up early so many days in a row. I had stayed up till around 12:30--yes I know I'm crazy--working on those dresses that should have been finished 3 months ago! So I tried to get up and do the Pure Barre video....I started and about 5 minutes into just felt way too blah. So I sat on the couch and checked emails. So much for a morning workout--oh well. Then right at 7 Reed and EC came downstairs--earlier this morning too!

We went into the kitchen to get some breakfast--waffles and eggs (I think Reed asked if he could have cereal instead of waffle). After brewing a pot of coffee and having their food ready to eat, I jumped in the shower--as I was in desperate need of one (I don't think I ever had one Wednesday after my run and trip to the pool.....some days that just seems to be how it goes!) We had to quickly get ready to leave by 8:40 as they were doing makeup swim lessons from yesterday--so ours were going to be 9-9:30, and then our normal class time of 9:30-10. I think when I got out of the shower Mary Etta was up, so about 7:45. I brought her down to eat her breakfast. Then while the big 2 played in the playroom I quickly was getting dressed, hair, makeup, etc. Then it was close to 8 so we had a little over 30 minutes to get everyone dressed and ready to go; and were in the car by about 8:35.

Much happier at swim lessons! It was a whole new day for her!

Swim lessons went great! I was sure they would be super tired and worn out from an hour of swim lessons! Even Emery-Claire was a new child at lessons---she's been crying alot and very fearful these past 2 weeks. Tuesday she had a sub and completely freaked out and would not get in the water, except about the last 10 minutes! Today she was loving every minute of it! Putting her head under water, floating for the teacher, kicking on the kickboard and noodle (with instructor's assistance)--but overall great improvements!

After leaving swim lessons we made a quick stop at JoAnn's so I could pick up some buttons for the dresses. Then we headed home to get ready for the pool--they were begging to go! So I let them watch a little PBS kids while I packed a lunch and gathered our pool things, and then we all got our swimsuits on.

We headed over to the pool around 12, and met a friend who was joining us with her 2 boys for a day of fun in the water! Reed amazed me and was so proud of himself as he would swim with his head underwater for little spurts kicking and moving his arms---it was so exciting to see him actually swimming!! I don't even think he's swam underwater in his lessons--or so I noticed as between looking at him, Emery-Claire (who usually has had most my attention b/c she has been melting down, except for finally not today), and Mary Etta who is squirming and fussing to get out of the stroller--I know I don't always see every move he makes in there! All the kids did great and seemed to have so much fun together! It was a fun afternoon for all. We stayed till about 1:45 and then cleaned up and got ready to come home for naps. As soon as we got home the girls crashed fast and Reed had some rest time in my room with books. I finished cleaning up the kitchen from breakfast, folded some clothes, and started another load of laundry. I then began to work on those dresses for the girls!

Trying on the new cow hats

Around 4/4:15 Reed was asking to come out from rest time, so I let him come down in the playroom while I tried to continue the sewing. One dress done, and started another---shoo why do I do this to myself?! Emery-Claire came down around 4:30, and they both had a snack and "played" a game---not much of a game (except for made up rules) when you are 4 1/2 and 3! I think it ended up being closer to 5 before I went to get Mary Etta--I think she was still asleep, I think all that swimming this afternoon wore her out! They all played and I checked the computer while we debated what to do for dinner. I had planned on leftovers but we scratched that and ended up going to Chick-Fil-A for kids night. We got there close to 6 and ate, did the crafts. They have the cow walking around on kids night, and they love it! Well, Mary Etta loved him one minute and the next was crying saying "I sared!" (scared)....so funny! Right about 7ish when we were about to leave it had started downpouring, and was so windy! We waited it out for a bit while they continued to do their crafts longer, and finally Casey just went to get the car and pull up and we all made a run for it!

Enjoying his Chick-Fil-A, and we even got the cow in the background-ha! Oh and yes he is wearing a KY shirt (I do realize that). Only the girls can be TN fans....Casey says Reed must be a GA football fan, but they like to cheer for KY basketball--so hence the shirt!

We got home about 7:30 or so, and realized the power was out. The rain had stopped and there were never any thunderstorms really, but I guess all the wind had knocked over a power line. We had cow hats they had given us (tomorrow if you dress like a cow you get a free meal), so I think they were giving "cow apparel" to all the kids. So they all had fun wearing their cow hats and mooing at each other. Mary Etta kept carrying her baby around in blankets saying "baby seeping" (sleeping), while wearing her toboggan.

The power came back on about 8:15 and everyone was off to bed! Now some time to pick up and get things together, as well as maybe try working on that other dress!

One dress is done......

A day in the life-Wednesday

2011-07-06T18:40:00.010-04:00

I can't believe I've made it blogging this for the 3rd day in a row! I don't know how people blog long posts daily on some of those really looked at blogs---either I'm slow or this is just really time-consuming! I was going to try and finish these dresses for the girls that I started in June and have yet to finish them. Oh well, it's been good to look at our days & I know I'll be glad to look back and see how we spent them--craziness and all!

So now onto our day! My alarm went off at 6 this morning; and again I hit the pavement for a run. I put on the ipod listening to my Jean Larroux sermon--not sure if I've mentioned him before. But I first heard Jean preach probably almost 10 years ago when he was still at Independent Presbyterian in Memphis. Then several years ago we had a missions conference at our church and Jean was the speaker for the weekend---ever since then I've been following him and listening to his sermons when I can. He really keeps your attention and tells such great stories, which while running is a must for me if I'm not listening to music! But more importantly he can preach the Gospel! I had intended to stretch my run to 4 miles today, but the humidity got the best of me. So it ended up being more of a 3-3 1/2 mile run.

Taken by Reed--our little photographer

I ran into some neighbors when I got back and chatted for a bit, so it was about 7:30 when I walked in the door. Shortly after that Reed & EC came downstairs. I made some oatmeal (or "oatmilk" as EC calls it) and while it was cooking emptied the dishwasher. Mary Etta was up shortly after that at close to 8, so she came down to join us all for breakfast. Casey left on his run shortly after I got home. So I sat down with the kids and we actually read our devotional for the morning (during the school year we usually read from the Jesus Storybook Bible daily, but I've slacked with our crazy schedule this summer). Then we worked on a few of the catechism questions we typically do as well. It's amazing how these little minds are such sponges and retain so much information, especially little Mary Etta!

After breakfast we quickly cleaned up and headed upstairs to dress for swim lessons and brush teeth/fix hair/wash faces, etc. I let the kids all play after they were ready and I quickly got dressed and ready--as I had packed up all our stuff to go swimming at the Y after we finished up swimming lessons for the day. So right before we were about to get in the car my friend called and said that the chemicals in the pool were off and they were having to cancel lessons for the day, as it was unsafe for anyone to be in the pool. So now we had at least an hour or so before we could leave for the Y--as it doesn't open till 11. So we did some playdoh and colored some, until about 10 when I let them have a snack and watch about half of Sesame Street. I worked on some loads of laundry.

We then got in the car and headed to the Y. On the way we had to make a stop so I could return something. The kids had so much fun swimming, and really wear themselves out! It was fun as we saw some friends there and were able to swim with them and visit! We ended up leaving about 1:30--perfect timing as it started thundering and sprinkling.

Break time at the pool, enjoying her snack

We got home a little before 2 and the girls crashed for naps quickly, as Reed read books in rest time. I left about 2:15 for a much needed pedicure! Ahhh it was so nice and relaxing! I had taken a book and some magazines to read, but thought I might fall asleep, so I just ended up sitting and relaxing! On my way home I stopped at Panera for some tea to boost my late afternoon sleepiness, and a couple cookies for the kids after dinner dessert.

Love a fresh pedi!

I got home and worked on some more loads of laundry; and I'm sure checked emails, blogs, etc. I really try and limit the computer time to brief couple times within the day, but some days I do better than others--and I think I mainly end up using it when I'm procrastinating what I know I need to do when I really don't want to do it! Reed was up and playing in the playroom, then shortly after I was home EC came downstairs. I gave them a snack and before I knew it it was already almost 5--and we still hadn't gotten up sweet Mary Etta!

Casey took them all 3 outside while I started dinner. It started sprinkling again so that only lasted about 15 minutes. We let the big 2 do some coloring, while Mary Etta went to her room for some room time--she is very eager to do this because she can play so well in her crib and LOVES to have the music on to listen too! About 6 dinner was ready--spaghetti with red/meat sauce, bread (none for me), and sauteed squash and zucchini. Then Casey and I quickly cleaned up the dishes and we went on a family walk around the block. They all 3 walked instead of pushing anyone in the stroller, and I think it tired them out quickly! Well, Mary Etta still needed carried some of the way.

Fun in the tub!

We got home and all 3 got in the tub for baths, quickly we washed them, and got them dried and dressed, teeth brushed, and in the bed a little after 8! Then I still had some things to clean up and straighten, and work on some more laundry. And maybe see what I can get done of these dresses--maybe I'll post a picture tomorrow! And then off to bed!

A day in the life-Tuesday

2011-07-05T20:47:00.008-04:00

My alarm went off at 6:15 again....only time of the day I can exercise (unless we go to the Y) and have quiet time with the Lord. Usually it ends up being listening to a sermon while I run. But today I got up to do my Pure Barre video. If you've never heard of PB you should totally check it out! I've been to a live class once, but this summer while at project, and when I can't get to the Y, I've been trying to do my video. The classes are not cheap (usually $20/class; or you can buy packages in bulk--but they still end up being not much less than $18/class). So I've opted for the video, unless some great special comes along---and occasionally I get emails of specials. But it works small muscle groups, and it is really hard! After my first hour class I was sore for almost 3 days!

After my workout, I briefly was able to check emails, and then about 7:15 Reed and EC came downstairs, so our day began! Casey was up early and out of the house too--as he had some business matters to attend to for the day. He has actually has been running some in the mornings--yes, running! He has decided he wants to be more in shape I suppose? After his years of athletics (he played basketball in college, and is just an all around athlete)--but he was burned out after college and really has had spurts of exercise since we've been married, but he may actually seem most serious this time around. He likes to have goals, something to challenge him, so he says he'll run a marathon. And he is such a go-getter so I wouldn't put it past him to do just that!

Before swimming lessons--this is actually one day last week, but hey it's still getting ready to go to swim lessons!

I fed the kids eggs and cereal, while I quickly jumped in the shower. Then as soon as I got out I heard Mary Etta, she didn't sound too happy so I'm assuming she'd been awake for awhile! So i quickly put on clothes and ran up to get her so she could have her breakfast--at about 8. Today was the start of week 2 of swim lessons (yesterday we were off due to the holiday). So we had about an hour to get us all ready. I quickly got ready and then helped them all get dressed, teeth brushed, hair fixed (girls), snacks ready for after swimming, dry clothes packed, etc. So a little after 9 we all hoped in the car and off we went!

Today at swim lessons EC's instructor was still out of town so she had a sub. She was not at all happy about this. Last year she had no fear with the water, this year is the complete opposite! She has finally warmed up to her instructor after several days of lots of crying, and she wasn't at all thrilled her teacher was not there today. So she spent most of the time on the side wall just kicking; I think the last 5 minutes the instructor finally got her in the water!

Waiting on Ms. Suzi for the girls hair. I had to take all 3, but they really did well!

We changed after swim lessons, and then were off to take the girls to my hair dresser. As you've seen we have some very curly locks in our house! Emery-Claire has had her hair cut twice---once at about 18 months (very minimal trim of her "mullet" hairdo) by my current hairdresser, and then last summer when she turned 2 by another hairdresser---I was not at all happy as the girl butchered her hair! It looked awful!! So I've never had it trimmed since, and of course Mary Etta has never had hers trimmed either. They did so good waiting, Emery-Claire was a bit worried that "Ms. Suzi" would use the hairdryer on her. Suzi is so sweet and gentle with them, she basically looked them both over and said at this point I just really need to grow out their hair more. She barely took off a few rugged edges on EC hair, but didn't at all touch Mary Etta's. She said curly hair is "work" for sure, I just have to keep wetting, geling, scrunching--all I'm doing now. I tell you what I have high maintenance hair as well, so fixing all 3 of our hair--well it's a chore indeed!So after we left the hair place we went to grab lunch---Panera! The kids were all very excited. Usually we do Chick-Fil-A, but we did that a couple times last week and I just needed something different. Plus they ate some snacks while we were at the hair place so I figured I could get a yummy, fresh salad and give them bagels and they'd be happy! After we left Panera I was going to take them to the grocery store---not my favorite activity to do with 3 small children, but I do it when I have to. But thankfully Casey had called and was home so he said to bring them back so I could go by myself.

Enjoying some Panera

So after dropping them off I grabbed my shopping bags, and realized I needed to run a couple other errands along the way. Wouldn't you know it started downpouring right when I needed to get out of the car! I thought it would pass quickly, but it ended up lasting almost 40 minutes! I had to run to the library, pick up something at the mall, run by another little children's shop, and return something to Target. Now finally at the grocery store I grabbed what I needed and rushed back home, so I was home a little before 4--whoo, what an afternoon!

The big 2 kids had not taken naps (usually Emery-Claire does, but apparently she was in a playing mode today and did not!) I realized I had forgotten stamps so I quickly put the big 2 in the car to run to the post office to get some stamps; while Casey stayed at the house with Mary Etta still sleeping and he was cleaning his car. When we got back they had a little snack, and I began prepping our dinner. After Mary Etta was up at about 4:45, they all were asking to go run in the sprinkler. Casey was sweet and kept them outside for about 45 minutes while I was able to start supper and clean up the kitchen (that had never been cleaned up from this morning!) The kids came in about 5:30 and we let them watch a little video till we ate a little after 6--I still was picking up and tidying; our house seemed to be a disaster for us not being here much today!

Fun in the sprinkler! (also from a couple days ago, but they looked the same today!)

We all ate some baked chicken breasts, fresh cooked green beans from the Farmer's Market on Saturday, salad, and some Annie's mac and cheese--well Casey and the kids did, I'm trying to watch the carb/gluten products lately! Then after supper we both cleaned up while they played in the playroom. Casey needed to run a quick errand and took EC with him--she loves going on outings with her daddy! So I got Reed and Mary Etta dressed for bed and brushed teeth--then we read a few books. Everyone was in bed by 8ish. I think they all crashed fast, especially the big 2 who didn't nap today!

Ahh so finally a quiet house! I'm enjoying some computer time now and may work on a couple small projects before heading to bed! I can't believe I've documented all this the past 2 days; it is a little tedious, but I know I'll enjoy reading it down the road. Happy Tuesday!

A day in the life-Monday & Happy 4th!!

2011-07-04T07:23:00.020-04:00

So I saw on another blog how a mom was doing "a day in the life" for a week. It seems to be that this season with young children is passing too quickly, so this is one way to capture some detailed memories of this sweet time. So I thought for Monday-Thursday I'm going to try writing down all the details of our week. I realize this is probably really boring to anyone reading this, but I'm hoping in years down the road when no one is younger than 5 or 6 (and school age, teenagers, adulthood, etc.) I can look back and really remember what our days were like during this time.

My alarm went off at 6:15--at some point in the night (I think due to a thunderstorm and neighbors shooting off some fireworks) Emery-Claire woke up and was scared, so after a couple of attempts of putting her back to her bed she just ended up finally in ours. So I tried to very quietly exit our bed so I wouldn't wake her. I then dressed and got ready for my morning run. So I hit the pavement and ran about 3 1/2 miles.

Fun in the rocking chair on the front porch

When I got back the house was still quiet (so nice and refreshing) at 7:20. So I put a load of towels from the washer to the dryer. Then sat down to check some email and balance the checkbook. Then at about 7:40 EC woke up, and laid on the couch with me while I finished the checkbook. Time for breakfast now at a little before 8.....my kids wake up hungry, and are ready to eat! So we went into the kitchen to make some oatmeal, and a little "green lemonade" juice. Reed was up shortly after that, and Mary Etta slept till 8:45! Sometimes that little girl can sleep in--so nice! While they ate breakfast I cleaned up the kitchen and emptied the dishwasher. Then they played in the playroom while I changed out some laundry. We all went upstairs to get dressed, then put away clean clothes, made beds and picked up and organized up there (what had seemed to be a mess for the past week!) They love turning on music---especially Mary Etta. She is constantly asking for it, saying "singing?" So she loves to just even sit in front of CD player and attempt to sing the few words she can get out with the tune. I keep the CD player in the bathroom so it's in between both of their rooms. So at one point she wanted to climb up on my lap with her blanket while we sang together. It's so sweet, and she is so happy and full of smiles. She was so cute as she'd adjust the volume and say "soud" (for loud). Speaking of blanket, it has become a big security lately. It was building to be over the past couple of months (and it's this hot fleece/thick blanket--but she doesn't care here in the heat of the summer). Last week (Wednesday night I believe) we decided it was time to take the paci away. She has been our biggest paci child for sure! Reed loved his, but I was more on the ball and took it away at about 18 months. But ME I have let it linger longer, b/c A)she loves it so and it seems such a security and comfort to her; and B)I was so afraid she wouldn't sleep! (since she has been our most crazy sleeper of all 3). But she really has done fabulous! The first night she went right to sleep--not a cry or anything and slept all night! And the other couple nights/naps she asked for it some and whimpered some, but easily still went onto sleep! So success I suppose! I guess she is officially weaned from the paci! She still mentions it some, but there have been no huge fits or meltdowns at all!

After we were done upstairs we came down to the playroom for a little snack and the end of Sesame Street. While they were watching & eating I was cleaning up and organizing the bathroom downstairs. Lots of organizing and putting away today, as I have gotten really behind since we got home last Sunday from project. Last week was so busy so it was taking me forever to get caught up it seemed! After SS was over, and they did watch another 30 minute show (since we only saw the last 15-20 minutes of SS) we went outside on this cloudy but still muggy day to play for a bit. Then we came inside again and they looked at books while I got lunch ready. This is the 4th of July.....and I know it seems most people have parades and such to go to. Unless I didn't look into this enough the only one I saw was downtown and it was at like 2pm?! That is not the greatest time for us, so we obviously will not make that parade. I think my kids would love a parade. I'm sure there was something smaller also somewhere around here, but I didn't really look that hard into it, so our day is really going pretty routine until our plans later today.

Looking at books before lunch

After lunch we all got on the couch and read some books together. At least Reed & EC, Mary Etta only sits still for books very briefly--and with ones she really likes/wants! Then about 1:30 it was rest time. The girls both napped in their rooms, and Reed in our room looking at books. He rarely falls asleep anymore. So I make him stay in there to read quietly. So I can get some things done! I was able to clean the bathrooms. I also made a pot of coffee (I know crazy time of day, but I never had any this morning and was craving some!) while I sit down to do some computer time and pay bills and organize for my week (menu/grocery list/to do, etc).

I let Reed get up to do some puzzles, color, and have a snack about 3ish; so I could keep doing my other "to dos"....that I was apparently so behind on b/c it was taking forever! EC was up by a little after 4, and I think we had to wake up Mary Etta a little before 5! I quickly jumped and showered off (since I had yet to do that from that morning run--unfortunately this is often the case alot of days!) I grabbed the pool bag and other necessities (while Casey loaded everyone up), and we were able to leave a little after 5 to head to a friend's house for swim and cookout.

Happy 4th!!!

or 4th of the live! (as EC has been saying!)

So everyone had been swimming earlier in the afternoon, so we didn't end up swimming. Reed was really disappointed when we left as he was asking the whole time in the car and on the way home, and while we were there (poor guy was so sad we weren't swimming). But they did have fun playing with a few new friends while we were there. We probably stayed a couple hours, then could tell we reached our limit and needed to head home. So I let them play outside for about another 20-30 minutes then off to the tub--where Casey & I both quickly tag teamed washing/drying/dressing/brushing teeth of all 3. Everyone was in bed by 8:30. I know it's 4th of July, but they are little and tired from a long day, so it's so hard to keep them up to see some fireworks.....so maybe in a few more years it will seem easier to do things like that, but right now it is just too much work! And not to mention I think EC would be really scared of the noise, as the past couple nights you can hear people setting them off and she wakes up and comes downstairs crying because she is scared.

Fun outside before bed!

So now Casey and I will enjoy our evening---well, until all these people around here start setting off fireworks. Oh and here is EC crying already. We tucked her into our bed (and can hopefully mover her later--somehow our bed is more comforting and she falls right to sleep!) So now a quiet house! And soon I'm off to bed to start over and do it all again tomorrow! Hope everyone had a great day celebrating our country's birthday!

Embrace the Camera-Thursday June 30th

2011-06-30T06:28:00.003-04:00

It's the time to "Embrace the Camera!" We started some swimming lessons this week (well our older two). Our month spent at project had a crazy mix of weather. The first couple weeks the pool wasn't even open yet, then once it was open we seemed to have more rainy and 60s/70s type weather--so pleasant to be outside but not really warm enough to get in the pool. So the few times we did get to enjoy it (which seems so crazy that it's almost July & my kids have been swimming a few times!) this little girl LOVED it! We couldn't get to the side of the pool fast enough before she was jumping in over and over again. So with beautiful weather in our forecast today after our morning swim lessons we are off to enjoy the pool today here! Happy Thursday!

What a giveaway!

2011-06-29T22:37:00.002-04:00

So today I came across this giveaway on facebook! I just finished reading this book (as I mentioned in this post here) over our month at project. One of the other staff wives and I read it together and were able to finish it and discuss the sections weekly. It is truly one of the best books I have read on motherhood---so so so Gospel centered! I am so looking forward to reading many more of the Clarkson's books, so how fun it would be to win this one!

"Rooted" in the Gospel

2011-06-27T22:19:00.008-04:00

So I know my blogging has been really sporadic the past month. Well, it's mostly because we just returned home this weekend from a long 5 weeks out of town! Since I know this blog is public and I realize there are probably some (though not sure how many, but I'm sure still some) out there reading this that I don't know I don't always say when we are in and out of town. So now that we are home I am now ready to share some about our start to the summer.

Mary Etta & Judah having some fun in the car out in the big backyard. They loved being outside and asked to out there all day long!

Most of you know we do college ministry, so we just returned from our first summer project in over 3 years! Crazy because the first 3 years of marriage that was just what we did every summer--go on summer project. But then in 2008 Emery-Claire was born---so obviously after having a baby May 20th it wasn't expected for us to go and then in 2009 Mary Etta was due in July (so again they wouldn't send us away for the month of June with me being almost 9 months pregnant). We thought 2010 would be the year we would go, but now our staff team has grown so much over the past few years all of our staff can't be there at once with the growing amount of students too. So again we were home. So now this was the year we finally returned--and with 3 children nonetheless! The last time we went on project (2007) we just had Reed and he was 8 months old. So it made for much unknown going with not just 1 or 2 but 3 children ranging from 4 1/2 to almost 2!

We did lots of this

and this!

I have to say it has been a really great month! It was good to be away from the everyday routine and busyness of our life. It truly was a sweet time to be in such an encouraging environment with the body, day in day out. We were with staff I knew well and have been on projects with before, but then those that were younger that it was sweet to spend time getting to know them better. And our children have truly been on cloud 9 with all the attention (they were the only children this year besides one other staff child who just turned 1 while we were there) from 115 college students practically 24/7!

Every chance Reed got he was outside recruiting different students to throw the ball to him, wanting someone to chase him, or play some sort of game with him. It was so sweet to see him soak in every moment and enjoy this environment as much as he did!

Most importantly I know it is such a privilege and a blessing that the Lord had us here, in this environment. For me especially, it was good to have many sweet dates with my husband, fun & unique outings with the children, encouraging fellowship with dear friends, and just to be faced and stretched in several areas I see the Lord growing me in. I know not many people get to have the opportunity to see up close and personal how the Lord is working to draw people to himself and to live day and day out in community with fellow believers.

Summer Project 2011 "Rooted"

Thankful on Father's Day

2011-06-19T16:52:00.004-04:00

Today is Father's Day. Another one of those days we get to reflect and be thankful for how the Lord has worked, how He has provided great blessings to us. Not that everyday we don't need to be thankful to Him for His many, many, many blessings--but honoring and celebrating this day for dad's everywhere and what they mean to their families. So ours did exactly that! Earlier this week I began telling our 3 little ones that this weekend we were going to be thankful for their daddy. We could be thoughtful in telling him and giving him special gifts as thank you. So we made a book about dad---which about 20 minutes after making it Reed had already told Casey we made him a book and drew some special pictures in it. Oh well, I guess at 4 you don't really quite get "waiting to surprise" quite yet. Then all week he preceded to want to draw Casey pictures, or color---this is his big thing lately. Coloring pictures from various coloring books--with pencils, but very serious as he colors them all and keeps the pencil "in the lines!" And of course he told Casey about the pictures too! Gotta love the giving hearts of children! At least I was able to sneak away and get a little something one evening that I never told the children about, so that was his one surprise!

So today we celebrated him! We got him a breakfast biscuit, let him "try and sleep" and gave him his gifts before church. Then had a family lunch after church. It was fun to celebrate and be thankful for who this man is! He is my husband and my best friend! I can't imagine doing all of "this" with anyone else. He loves and leads our family, and thinks for us so intentionally. He loves the Lord and desires to serve Him all the days of his life. He has such a big heart to make Jesus known to all those who don't know him--which is why he is so gifted at leading a campus ministry on a very large college campus. He has loved and lead many, many men in the past 10 years, and I am so truly proud of him, and so thankful for him. All those years of singleness when I thought and wondered if I'd ever be married, I never could have dreamed the Lord would brought me this man of such great character. Casey we love you so much. We thank you for serving and loving our family! Happy Father's Day!

Embrace The Camera-Thursday June 16

2011-06-16T16:07:00.005-04:00

Today this sweet baby of mine turns 23 months old! I know, I know.....after about 18 months it seems rather silly to count their months in ages. But with the baby and #3, it sure is hard to just say a number. I hear Casey tell someone we have a almost 5 year old, 3 year old, and 2 year old---and I am always saying "she isn't 2 yet!!" But the reality is that 1 month from today she really will be 2 years old, and why is that so hard for me?! I guess for the past 4 years I've constantly had "a baby" really......though I wouldn't trade this sweet, almost 2-year-old for nothing! She is such a cuddle bunny, loves to hug and kiss us, sit in our laps, and is all 3rd child as she is constantly yelling "MOMMY!!" as loud as she possibly can to get my attention. She is so silly and yet so sweet all rolled up into one! Oh sweet Mary Etta how you bring such joy to our lives each and every day! As shocked as we were to find out the Lord had created you so closely behind your sister, I can't imagine our family without you! We love you sweet, sweet girl!

A taste of summer.......

2011-06-16T16:00:00.006-04:00

with baby pool fun!

A couple of weeks ago we had played in the baby pool earlier in the day. So after naps when we came outside, of course it was still full of water. So what do you do when you see a pool full of water and you have clothes on (and you are 22---today she is 23 months old!!!! I'm so in denial next month my baby turns 2!!) you jump in, of course! And have a blast!

Embrace the Camera-Thursday June 9th

2011-06-09T17:37:00.003-04:00

Here's a little glimpse from our "family dance party" night..........

She was having so much fun dancing & singing in the kitchen! Happy Thursday everyone!!

Last day of school

2011-06-05T16:45:00.005-04:00

So I just realized it's been several weeks ago that Reed had his last day of school, and I still have never posted these pictures from his end of the year program! This year's program was called "You make me laugh".......so the 3s, 4s, and 5s all were together to sing some fun songs and tell sweet little jokes---it was so cute! He loves this and gets so excited to stand upfront and "perform".

Walking into the sanctuary with his classmates

All of the classes performing in the sanctuary......I used an arrow to point out Reed, though not sure my colors stand out enough amongst all the colorful shirts!

Reed with his teachers this year....Mrs. Kadel and Mrs. Martin......he has loved being in their class and I know he had a great year with them!

It's funny how kids will find one friend to talk about......earlier this year it was a couple other boys, but this last half of the school year this little guy was all Reed talked about! We don't know their family well, but maybe these two will get paired up again next school year!

And lastly, a comparison of our boy from the first day of school to the last day of school.......so does he look so different?? I'm not sure I see a big difference in these pictures--but I know he has to look a little older from a 3 1/2 year old to 4 1/2 year old!

Embrace the Camera-Thursday June 2nd

2011-06-02T16:39:00.004-04:00

Well it's finally--June! Yay for summer.......so here is me, "superman", and Woody (of course)

Hope everyone is having a great summer kickoff.......my kids are loving all their outside time these days! Happy Thursday everyone!

Birthday Party Fun!

2011-05-30T14:46:00.004-04:00

So a couple of weeks ago we actually got to celebrate Emery-Claire's 3rd birthday! She loved it! She has continued to talk about her birthday and her party, asking for another one---we have to remind her it's already over and she won't have another one till next year (don't think that really has sunk in yet). So I saw a cute idea about a month or so ago--a garden party. Several cute decorating ideas, a dirt cake with gummy worms, seeds and pots for party favors, decorating sunvisors for activity......so on our very rainy day (which rain is good for your garden, right?!) we had a garden themed party---she loved it! And despite the yucky weather that day it all turned out so well! Several friends were sick and out of town, but we still had a handful of guests between a few family members and friends able to come---Emery-Claire loved every minute of it!

All of our "garden" decorations.....butterflies from the ceiling, birthday banner, watering can on the front porch, a dirt cake and lots of fun with friends!

Family photo---Reed was a little overzealous in his smiling as you can see : )

Friends and family singing "happy birthday" to the birthday girl

And she is loving turning 3!!
So excited about these presents......can you tell??!!

Decorating sunvisors

Emery-Claire and her buddy Holt.....at church if you see the backs of their heads you just see mounds of curls side by side

Cousin Brody even made it up to the party--they all loved spending the day together

A picture with Pops

So all in all our day was so fun, and I think this little girl had so much celebrating with friends and family!

Happy 3rd birthday Emery-Claire!

2011-05-20T06:27:00.002-04:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy 3rd birthday sweet baby girl! We love your more than you know! Be prepared--for this is a long one....I originally made it last year, and then added more pictures to it for this year. It's always good and so reflecting for me to do this and look back over my sweet children's lives. I know we are beyond blessed, and I continue to pray that will treasure each and everyday with them!

Embrace the Camera-Thursday May 20th

2011-05-19T01:04:00.006-04:00

In honor of Embrace the Camera today......I thought I post a picture of me and the birthday girl from her party on Saturday. I can't believe tomorrow she turns 3 years old!!!

this sweet girl is so full of spunk and life, and she can be more challenging at times than our other 2 children.....but man I love this girl! I usually end up going through pictures---often putting together video montages put to music (staying up way too late editing them) during their birthday weeks. I made one for her last year and just added this year's pictures to it. Still as I look back over the past year, and past 3 years, and see how much she's grown and changed....I truly end up sobbing like a baby! I want to freeze my children, stop the growing, keep them little--but yet I know the Lord has so much ahead for our family as we teach and train them in the way they should go. It's a true blessing and privilege to be this sweet girl's momma....Just as sweet as it was to see her smile for the first time, laugh, crawl, walk, first words, etc. It is just as precious to hear her sing songs of praise to the Lord all day long--right now she loves "here I am to worship" and "shout to the Lord"---I think it's time for some new CDs for my ears are ready for a change lately. And to hear her quote scripture and catechisms and pray to the Lord! Lately her little prays are so sweet....most of the time she ends up mixing up the words and it comes out something like "Father thank you for today, for daddy, and mommy, and Reed, and Daddy and Mommy and Emmie and Mary Etta; thank you for all our lives, never a day, to obey, loving you, and for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Amen!" (which I think she mixes up words and phrases we've modeled for her, but it truly is so sweet) and usually she ends up rambling lots and lots of other words and phrases (her prayers seriously go on and on some nights : ). But I know we pray that the Spirit is at work, and she will truly have a heart for the Lord---that she will never remember a day not knowing and loving Jesus!

3

2011-05-17T21:57:00.003-04:00

This Friday my baby girl turns 3 years old. 3.......so many things I could say about this new stage. She really is turning into a little girl, and leaving toddler/babyhood behind. I often feel this sweet thing had a brief "baby period" in general as she became a big sister much earlier than most, at a mere 14 months old. But as her and Mary Etta continue to grow, it is truly so sweet to watch their relationship grow and blossom together.

We've been celebrating already......with her "garden party" this past Saturday and still some fun family time later this week. I tried a little photo session this past weekend---though I just did it inside because forget it's the middle of May here, it's freezing! So maybe this weekend we'll try some pics outside as well. But the inside ones turned out pretty cute (or I'm just bias of course!)

Our Mother's Day

2011-05-13T20:51:00.004-04:00

Well I'm FINALLY downloading the camera from last weekend's pics of Mother's Day! Whew! It's been a crazy, busy week! We had a great and beautiful day.......sweet gifts and cards from my dear husband and sweet children. It was such a day to reflect and be thankful for them all! I know I'm beyond blessed!

So onto the pictures...............

unfortunately Casey started shooting and I had it on manual mode and didn't check the settings, so the "good" ones all seemed to be overexposed.....so I played some in editing and got them looking a little better---seriously these were wonderful pictures, but oh well.

So then when I "fixed" the settings and he took more, well the color may look better but as you can see below this is what they all mostly look like........

And we did alot of this...........

A Mother's Heart

2011-05-07T14:04:00.002-04:00

In honor of Mother's Day tomorrow I wanted to post this sweet picture I took earlier this week. We made cards and included this picture (of course best we could get of all 3) for all the grandmothers for mother's day. These 3 sweet little people are truly my heart! They are who I spend my most of days with. Days that are often very stretching and challenging most of the time, but yet also full of joy and laughter! I can't imagine spending my days doing anything other than loving, teaching, training, and just being with them each and every day!

No calling is greater, nobler, or more fulfilling than that motherhood. Every day, as we nurture our children, mothers influence eternal destiny as no one else can. Tragically, today’s culture minimizes the vital importance of a mother’s role. By catching a vision of God’s original design and allowing it to shape your life, you can rediscover the joy and fulfillment to be found in the strategic role to which God in all his wisdom has called you, for a purpose far greater than you can ever imagine.--description from Sally Clarkson's "Mission of Motherhood" (which I'm very excited to start reading this summer!)

Embrace the Camera-Thursday May 5th

2011-05-05T20:20:00.004-04:00

Happy Mother's Day.......

So in honor of Mother's Day being Sunday, I thought I'd pay tribute to my dear and very wonderful mom! This is the most recent picture we have with her...poor Mary Etta must have blinked as soon as picture was snapped--oh well. We are ever so thankful and blessed to have my sweet mom as apart of our lives. She is always so giving, so self-serving, so sacrificial in all she does for us and how she loves us! I'm so thankful she is always so willing to come drive (practically monthly) to see us and spend time with our children, and they sure do adore her as well! Most of all I am so thankful for her tender heart towards the Lord. She is truly a woman after His own heart, and what a blessing it is to know how she prays for us so fervently and seeks to know and apply His truths to her life. We all love you dearly mom, and I'm so thankful that the Lord ordained you as my mother, such a privilege indeed!

Happy, Happy Birthday

2011-05-02T14:55:00.002-04:00

to my little sis, Sarah! This pic is from a few weeks ago when Casey and I got to have a fun getaway--yes, all by ourselves! We went to see my sister and brother-in-law and have some "real" adult time! Casey has been working on lots of support raising for our ministry the past couple months, so it was perfect that we could use our trip for some meetings for him and some fun for us! Sarah and I ran in the 5K race that is a a fund raiser for some college friends who lost their little boy to a brain tumor 2 1/2 years ago. It was such a fun weekend! Sarah I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful birthday! We love you and are so thankful for you!

Embrace the Camera-Thursday April 28th

2011-04-28T16:54:00.005-04:00

As many have been commenting and posting all day, we too are so thankful that our family, friends, and loved ones are safe from the devastating storms that passed through most of the southeast yesterday. So many have posted pictures and videos of scenes that I know I can't even imagine witnessing. Our hearts have been heavy for all those affected, and we've continued to pray for them today. So today while "embracing" I am so thankful for our simple, very uneventful day, and most days, spent loving, nurturing, playing, singing, teaching, training, discipling--our 3 small children. Thankful for a dear husband who leads our family, and puts up with me and all my sin! Thankful for so many undeserved blessings!

Sunday has come!

2011-04-24T22:26:00.008-04:00

Today was not just any ordinary day, nor any ordinary Sunday, today is Easter! The day to worship and celebrate that Christ has risen from the grave! The day that we proclaim our Lord has defeated sin and death! The day that gives us great hope---that our lives are not in vain! We didn't just start the morning in the best of spirits considering all we were celebrating........it's been a long week, Casey has traveled--which means I've been a single mom most of the week, then my allergies seem to have gotten the best of me, so all that to say I've been pretty worn out--and as much as I tried, I wasn't very prepared to start the day off as I had anticipated. I woke up to take pictures of the kids looking at their Easter baskets---camera battery dead (thank goodness for great iphone camera). Then because of not having myself up earlier and ready, we were unable to go to early service--meaning we had to wait til the late service at 11! Typically we have sunday school but since it was Easter there was just a mingling time---which with a 21 month old, 2 1 /2 year old, and 4 1/2 year old you really "don't" mingle all that much. So we were just home--trying to gather my sad sides for our lunch with friends (seriously I'm usually not so unprepared, but fatigue and feeling so blah was getting the best of me!) The children were fighting, climbing, toys everywhere--I think Casey and I were about to loose our minds! It's amazing how chaotic the morning can get when one is not organized and prepared. But thankfully there is much grace! Much grace that the Spirit pours onto our heart's attitude on this glorious day-- which (in all honesty) one we were already ready for it to be over before it had barely begun!
But yet how sweet He is! We did finally make it to church ( and on time), heard a wonderful sermon preaching truth and grace, and a great afternoon of fellowship (despite my poor, pitful food preparations) with dear friends. So once again I'm humbled by His faithfulness, and so thankful none of it depends on my efforts or doings! So we proudly proclaim, He has Risen indeed!

Embrace the Camera--Thursday April 14th

2011-04-14T14:54:00.001-04:00

So I just realized it's basically been since last Thursday that I did a post. Oh well, at least I'm attempting to again continue this "embrace" tradition, that I saw on my friend, Joy's, blog. I've begun doing these (or attempting to do theses posts) every Thursday to capture and remember these brief years with my little people---as I heard it said recently, the days are long but the years are short! So I want to savor and soak them in as best as I can---so what a great way to help keep/build memories but through our photographs together! I am truly in awe that Reed will turn 5 this year, and this sweet little baby will be 2 in a few months!! Some days I really do feel I just had this baby a couple months ago!

This is a picture with my youngest sister, Mary Etta, and I when we were both at home a couple of weeks ago. All the children love their "aunt Nee-Nee".....and we always enjoy our time with her! As I know not too long ago we had our quick visit with her while she came on a transport for work up here. She is a great aunt and we look forward to the day when she is a mother as well!

It's Thursday--so another "Embrace the Camera!"

2011-04-07T16:24:00.004-04:00

Today I thought I'd post of picture of me and my girl #1.......our sweet, little, energetic Emery-Claire. This girl is so full of spunk and life! She truly is her daddy made over! Not only does she look SO MUCH like him (just in a girl version) but she has his zeal and zest for life as well. She doesn't meet a stranger....she is often wanting to converse or know who it is walking down our street by our house, or who people are when we go to a store or restaurant. And if she sees other children she just loves to make friends and play with other new children. And the she seems to have his tender, humble heart for the Lord (or so I continue to pray) too. She is always singing......Jesus Loves Me, Holy-Holy-Holy, Shout to the Lord, and many, many more that she knows all too well. She also loves to pray and is so eager to pray all too often. It's so precious to hear her sweet words to the Lord. We are so thankful for this little girl, even though she is a little more fiesty and tiring than our other 2 children--but she is still a blessing from the Lord!

Our busy trip

2011-04-06T15:06:00.004-04:00

I know I haven't posted on here in awhile.....it's been a crazy past couple of weeks, and I'm finally just getting around to downloading several weeks worth of pictures from the camera today! But when is it not crazy with 3 children 4 and under?!! About 2 weeks ago we made a long awaited trip to visit my family. We had a great time seeing everyone, not lots of down time, but it was still fun being together and catching up with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. All 3 kids did great--with the exception of Mary Etta's continual crazy sleeping habits during travel (it took her 3 of the 4 nights we were gone to actually not wake up on and off all night)!

Here are some of our pics........

One of the only "good" pics of all the kids! A certain little boy kept covering his eyes! At least they are all "lined up"

A silly picture....though I don't think the girls thought it was so silly

Fun visiting with Nana!

Lots of fun outside, despite the more chilly temperatures!

We had a great trip! We are thankful for all our family that we were able to see and visit with....and my time with some sweet & dear old friends! So all in all it was a well worthy trip---though we are thankful to be home at the same time and working on resuming our normal routine.

Our "Embrace the Camera"

2011-03-17T16:03:00.005-04:00

So I've enjoyed seeing my friend, Joy, with her "Embrace the Camera" photos every Thursday. I am realizing how I hardly ever get pics of me and the children in just everyday life---it's usually when we are primped and ready to go "wherever" (which isn't often with 3 small children)---hence it was probably Christmas that I took a picture with me and one of them! So I've decided to "steal" Joy's idea of embrace the camera too......so here is ours for today!

here we are in all our "stay at home mama with 3 young babies" glory---we've been outside enjoying this weather so no fix ups at all! So since the girls are still napping and Reed just got up from rest time, I thought it fitting to start our series with our oldest---and sweetest boy! I can't believe this sweet boy is 4 1/2 years old now!! My sweet baby is getting so big! But what a joy it is to continue to watch him grow and get to know him more and more! We are so thankful for him! And of course being that it is St. Patty's Day--my children all are wearing green--I of course never put any on (just grabbed the first t-shirt out of the drawer). Though it is some sort of UK (well, Campus Outreach UK shirt that is)---I suppose in honor of the CATS playing in the tournament today?? Though I'm still a TN fan/girl through in through, but I just don't think they'll make it very far this year--- (nor did I put them in my bracket very far either : ( Looking forward to a better/maybe football season in the fall! So we'll see.

Big Day!

2011-03-09T15:19:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we got to have a fun little surprise..........

Aunt Nee Nee (a.k.a. my youngest sister, Sarah) came to visit us up here; well she came to bringing some babies to a local hospital here in town. So we were able to meet her over there and give hugs and hellos, and the exciting part---"tour" the ambulance! Sarah is a NICU nurse and has recently started "transporting" babies---so exciting indeed! This was of course an ambulance transport, but she has been up in the air too! We are so proud of and so excited for her!

So here they are checking out the inside of the ambulance. Reed was so excited as the driver let him push all the buttons and turn on all the lights.

Sisters checking out the seats in the back.

Reed and Aunt Nee Nee---he was just so excited! Can you tell?!

Not so happy it was over and they had to leave.....so best picture we could get.

Today we went to the dentist......Reed of course has been several times but this was Emery-Claire's first time for exam and cleaning. Very excited as you can see!

She did SO GOOD!! She is very excited to take home her bag of goodies! She laid as still as she could and didn't fuss or whine at all! She even let them take her x-rays---the hygienist was amazed and said this 2-year-old was better than some of their bigger kids. Who would of thought?! I think big brother kept talking about his excitement and how he "loved the dentist" and she got to watch him first, so I guess all that helped her because when she has to go to the doctor she is terrified! So we sure have had some big days around here lately!

New Header....new name

2011-03-07T15:59:00.003-05:00

I thought it only fitting to change our name to "Our Quiver Full" as I've had the Psalm 127 verse there for some time now. And now I was able to "collage" our header---I love finding out new ways to play with our pictures!

And onto pictures, as I know grandparents out there love seeing them!

Sweet time with Daddy after a bath

Fun with the dirt outside

**And an update on the cleanse....today is day 21--whoohoo! It really has not been too bad. Though I am more relieved to not have to prepare so much separate food/meals. Though I do feel I can continue my "no sugar", "less bread/carbs", and even "less dairy" to continue these better eating habits. I have felt good and it's been a nice break from all these food groups. I think overall creating new patterns for 21 days is going to make it easier to continue such patterns.

Our big backyard

2011-02-28T22:00:00.003-05:00

.....has been so fun, well when we had some actual sunny and warmer days! The past several days we've been drowning in rain. We/or should I say "they" are loving this wide, open, flat backyard to run and play and dig in the dirt. We had a roomy yard at our old house but they mostly just stayed on the deck because the yard itself was mostly up hill. Of course we have no deck here but a long driveway at least for all the bikes and riding toys, so it all evens out just as well.

a little sword fighting.

this has nothing to do with the backyard but i found her enjoying her snack one morning on the rug here under the sink....silly girl! I just haven't done well in taking pictures lately, so I need to get back at it! Hopefully I'll be back soon with more!

and as far as the cleanse (for any of you interested) it's going. I'm on day 15, and still going strong. I'm glad I've done it, and I definitely feel I have some better habits coming out of it, but I don't think I'll be able to become completely vegan after this. Some days it feels frustrating finding things to eat. Although she has lots of recipes and I have tried some of them, alot of them use multiple ingredients and ingredients I don't have on hand. So needless to say trying to prepare food for everyone else and myself separately, well, it's just not helping my grocery budget--not to mention feels sometimes very time consuming with constantly preparing food. So I think I'll be relieved in that sense when I'm done next week.

Update

2011-02-22T14:38:00.004-05:00

So I think on day 1 I mentioned sweetening with agave nectar......well, I'm seriously questioning all that now after reading a friend's blog post (she's done a 4 part series on sugar--so good!) so here is her blog, check it out!!

Thought for Food

Day 2-5

2011-02-19T10:48:00.003-05:00

Well, today is Day 5 of the "cleanse".....so far, so good. I know one of my friends liked the idea of me updating every day. I actually thought I might do that, well, until our house has been consumed with the stomach bug all week! So now it's Saturday, all appear to be well & healthy again, and I thought I'd just update these past few days in a little synopsis.

The one thing I do like about this cleanse, and I think I said it before, is you really aren't "starving yourself." She gives so many options & choices for all your meals and snacks--that you are just basically substituting bad with good/whole food options! Even last night we had dinner and casual dessert party for a friend adopting 2 little boys. So I wondered how hard all the "food" would be for me. But I was able to find a veggie plate at the restaurant with house salad, and 3 other veggie sides. And I was very satisfied. Then instead of their "dessert" I stopped at Starbucks on the way and had my first "hot drink" in about a week of decaf latte with soy milk--no sweetener, as I was reminded that soy milk actually has a sweet taste to it anyways. And honestly I wasn't really tempted or just miserable watching them all eat their cookies, brownies, etc. So will I never eats sweets again--doubtfully, I'm sure I will. But it is good to know I do have some willpower if I really want/need to resist.

Tonight I'm going to make up a stir fry with veggies and tofu and brown rice---I haven't had tofu in years! So I'm hoping my recipe/meal with some tweaking will taste as good as when I use the chicken!

And for the grandparents, aunts/uncles out there--sorry, no new pics to update at this time. We did get some good outside time the past few days with the warmer temperatures. Maybe today--though not as warm, but at least sunny and low 50s I can try and take some and upload later this weekend. Happy Saturday!

Cleanse

2011-02-15T19:54:00.004-05:00

So yesterday I mentioned starting this 21-day cleanse. I had wanted to try something of this sort probably a year or so ago, but wasn't really sure how to go about doing it. Now almost a year later I came across this book

so after ordering it, I thought it was a good plan and I'd give it a go! So today was Day 1. Let me preface by also saying the author mentions things such as meditation, etc. etc. (which I've totally skipped over and ignored). I just wanted a meal plan and a list of what to eat--without feeling I'm starving myself. On and off I've had some stomach issues--not as bad as some I know, but enough to cause me to be uncomfortable at times with things I'm eating. And now being in my mid-30s I am realizing (especially after baby #3) weight doesn't fall off one as quickly as it did 4-5 years ago. And I know for the most part I've lost it, but I could stand to loose a little more so my clothes just would fit better. And I exercise, but I know my "eating" plays such a role too. So my love for sugar, sweets, breads, etc. has to be put on hold--and maybe I'll feel better and jump start some better eating patterns after not having them for 21 days---or so I'm hoping! The main 5 things she says you are cutting out is...

*Sugar--not gonna lie, it's gonna be hard

*Caffeine--probably not too bad as years ago I switched my coffee to decaf, with the exception of occasional teas

*Animal products (meat, dairy, fish)--going to be interesting as well

*Gluten--oh bread!

*Alcohol--not too big of a deal since I don't have it all that often either

So today on day 1 this is what I've had, and so far so good (she has lots of recipes in her book--things I've maybe not prepared or had before, but at least lots of choices!).

Breakfast--oatmeal with blueberries and a little agave nectar and our "green Lemonade" from our juicer

AM snack--nuts and dried berries (though I'm not sure if the dried raisins, etc. are "allowed" so I may not eat them again)

Lunch--White Bean soup, hummus and raw carrots

PM snack--Apple & popcorn

Dinner--Black bean veggie burger (not bad--had some flavor to it), roasted asparagus, and a sweet potato

So all in all I feel pretty satisfied. But it's only day 1, so we'll see how the rest of the week goes!

Love Is.....

2011-02-14T14:13:00.003-05:00

"Love is the expression of a relationship based on the object’s need---so the “thing” I need is HIS GRACE ALONE because I have NOTHING to offer! My great need is GRACE!"

On this Valentine's Day this quote from a sermon I listened to this weekend (Jean Larroux from Southwood Presbyterian in Huntsville, AL; sermon "Sola Gratia") has been ringing in my mind these past few days. Which I thought appropriate to share on this Valentine's Day. How thankful I am for the grace I've been given, so much undeserved indeed!

and not that I NEED these beautiful flowers I received from my very sweet husband--I'm just sharing how beautiful they are, as well as the very sweet letter he wrote with them!

We enjoyed baking these heart brownies this morning. It started off as a fun surprise morning--signs ready, plates ready for our breakfast pancakes, goodies left at their place settings on the table.....but of course some sort of nasty bug has been making it's way through our home. Last week it hit Casey pretty hard for several days--but now I was thinking the rest of us were in the clear since he seems more susceptible to these little illnesses. But then last night Reed started running a fever, no appetite, etc. At least no throwing up has occurred, just the other : ) He has been a little more active later today, but still not quite himself, and still not much of an appetite (but the girls have devoured these brownies!) And I'm enjoying them as well Ghirardelli knows how to make them for sure! I haven't quite mastered a homemade one (which I usually would rather do so I know the ingredients I'm putting in them, but at least these don't have too many, and none of the Hydrogenated oils). I'm soaking them in before I start my 21-day cleanse tomorrow--more on that later!

And the best part about today....we got to do a little of this......

It was windy....but we'll take any break in the freezing cold and snow for 20 minutes of fresh air and sunshine! And it's supposed to stay like this all week---man are we ready for spring!!

Just a little sister love---Happy Valentine's Day!

Look what I can do

2011-02-11T21:59:00.003-05:00

"Cheese!" or "seezzz" as she says it!

Lately we have "found" crayons--and I have found her doing this quite often....I think she is imitating what she is watching big brother & sister doing

And playing some with playdoh--still have to watch and make sure it's not "eaten" but the few times we've played with it so far, so good!

Love dressing up in hats..and always say "bye-bye" with a wave and off pushing her babies!

Growing, growing, growing!

2011-02-02T17:20:00.003-05:00

This sweet girl is doing just that! sigh.....she is now 18 months old!! my sweet baby is a true toddler--but she is still such a baby to me!

Though first of all I have to admit it truly is fun to enjoy this sweet (often challenging stage) with this little one. She is making me see how young she really is....but yet lately I've so appreciated & enjoyed her so much as for once having an 18 month old I'm not pregnant or caring for a newborn! First time.......so it does make her all the more "fun"! Some fun things she's been doing lately.....

*LOVES singing! She is constantly waving her little pointer finger for us to sing "this little light of mine" and pounds her little fist for another song we sing "Jesus is my firm foundation"

*discovered the word "no".....I'm not quite sure if she "gets" the meaning of it or is always using it intentionally, but it's so cute when she very nasally says a prolonged "noooooo"

*some pretend play with her babies & us---I'm guessing b/c she watches big sister do it all day long! she loves to "feed us" and feed the babies, always wants us to "kiss the baby", etc.

*climbing the stairs in our new house like a PRO! she was scared to come down at first and would cry--but ever since they got carpeted this week, she is now going going down them very easily!

*loves to "talk" on the "phone"--not just real or play ones, but most objects that are rectangle in shape are a "phone" to her as she jabbers away and says "huhwoe" and "bye-bye"

*still is occasionally wakes up during the night or early/early morning; ever since we moved a couple weeks ago she is on and off with this one. i'm sure Miss Sensitive is getting adjusted to her new environment, but boy is this wearing us out! and even if we let her "cry" she just screams up in her room til one of us gets her.

*been joining in lately in our family meal prayer time--she folds her little hands together, and it is the sweetest thing! and loves the "men" at the end! and the singing of the doxology after we pray with a long "awwmen"

Mary Etta you continue to be such a sweet blessing to our family! We sure can't imagine it without you.....we are thankful for your sweet life, praying that God has His hand upon and will draw you to Himself! So that you may never remember a day not knowing Him, and will serve Him all the days of your life!

The Kitchen

2011-01-29T11:24:00.004-05:00

So there is a post below this one with pictures from the upstairs kids' rooms. Now I'm going to post the kitchen/dining area. We still need to get light fixtures, paint the ceiling....I'm still working on organization, so some things are sitting out on counters that I don't want there, etc. etc. (I tried removing alot of it for the pictures :) But for the most part this area is done with the exceptions of those few things and hanging some things on the wall. I do have to say, I LOVE my kitchen! It's the biggest one I've ever had! Of course I don't have a big island.......but maybe down the road we can add that, but for now it's very functional with so much more room! And I had wanted white cabinets and these were a little darker than I thought the "antique white" would be, but I have grown to really like them as well. And I love the paint color---silver sage from Restoration Hardware! I loved it so much we painted in our bedroom too!

So here are the pictures......

This 2nd picture is from our eating area looking through the kitchen into what was the old dining (we are still in process of painting it right now, and it needs a light fixture as well). We have another table and box of art supplies in it....so it serves as art, playdough, puzzle, etc. table. And I think I mentioned before 'could' turn into possible school room in a couple years if that is the path we feel lead too.
Our table/eating area....that doorway goes into the hallway towards our bedroom

Doorway down to the big family/play room

So that is it for now! We are working this weekend on the family room---paint, lighting, etc. Stairs to be carpeted next week....so hopefully I can post those pictures later next week. And of our course our front living room is still a wreck and for now will contain all Casey's office things (until we can finish some space in the basement)--and it so desperately needs organized!!! And our bedroom (and all 3 baths--we haven't touched--except for what we've done in 1/2 bath upstairs)...our still in progress as well. So as we get to these I'll post more pictures!

Finally! Some Afters!!

2011-01-29T10:48:00.005-05:00

Ok so I know quite of few of you have just been in such suspense over these pictures--ha, ha!

So I was wanting all the "little things" finished before taking these pictures....but then I realized that is just going to take time so we will get there eventually but for now this is where we are in a somewhat finished form!

So picture #1--is our refinished hardwood floors---aren't they wonderful! We had them sanded & stained a darker shade. We are loving them! But some of us are a little "nervous" about certain little people scratching them.......oh my....we'll do the best we can to "preserve" them.

Picture #2 is upstairs--Reed & Emery-Claire's room......for now they are sharing still til Mary Etta is a little bigger, when at that time I will have the girls share. EC did get a "big girl bed" upon our move--she had been climbing out of the crib for several months, so we knew it was just time. I just have some sheets and a random blanket on her bed for now....I think closer to both girls birthdays this summer we'll get their matching bedding then, so for now this works.

Picture #3--looking into Reed & EC room from hallway

Picture #4--Reed's side of the room

Picture #5--looking out the door of their room towards Mary Etta's room. In between their rooms is a half bath....that isn't completely finished (it had to be gutted since all knew dry wall had to be put in upstairs) so we are waiting on our plumber to come back and hook up sink and toilet. And the hallway still needs a light fixture and painting finished so I can hang up pictures down through the stairway (and Monday we will have the stairs carpeted...they are a pretty steep set of stairs!)

Picture #6--New big girl bed!

Picture #7--looking into Mary Etta's Room: the green I picked turned out brighter than I wanted....but with the white trim and furniture and pictures up, I think it's not as bad as I initially thought. But we can always repaint if I decide I can't take it anymore!

Picture #8--looking out doorway of Mary Etta's room

Before Pictures

2011-01-19T13:50:00.015-05:00

So here it is (for my sister who keeps asking for pictures).....I'll post some of the "before" and try to actually take pictures of the "afters" to upload in the next day or so. Problem is some things aren't completely "finished" so it's hard to post something in the half finished form!

So here is the outside with our driveway.....we park & typically enter into the side door under the carport--yay no stairs to climb!

These are are family/play room--unfortunately I didn't really get "true" before pics, I started taking them more when the house was in demolition mode--oh well, at least it's still before to some degree. Notice the very hideous carpet on the stairs that go up into the kitchen from this room, this was all over this room. Tile has been put down and we are still in process of trying to paint, add lighting, etc. in here. We had some water damage so we had to replace studs & drywall on the bottom half of the wall around the room. And back in the corner is a full bath that will be the kids bathroom---we still have to paint & probably will eventually update some, but for now it works & we'll use it as is when we get some tools out of it this weekend! Oh & the best part---see the closet in the back--there are 2 sets of them, the one on the far left has our washer/dryer--yay! No basement to trek down with loads and loads of clothes! I'll take that anyday over having to do laundry in basements the past 6 years!

So as you walk up the stairs you enter into the kitchen--again full demolition mode. All of this was ripped out and floor ripped up, so very brand new kitchen! I never thought that was possible. But it's been so wonderful indeed! We still have some lighting to work out in here but basically this room is done! Looking straight ahead at the fridge is the "old dining" area, it's small so we wanted to use the other side that was more open. So the "old dining" (which still needs painted is going to be craft room---and could serve as a school room in a few years if that is the route we feel led to : )

Formal living room in the front of the house. Right now is painted--I love it! But at this time we don't have much furniture, so we did put all our furniture in the back family room. Currently this room has a collection of all our "other things"---so hopefully this weekend we will get it cleared out and will probably set up Casey's office in here til we can put it elsewhere in the house and/or get more furniture to use it as another living room--great for get togethers or bible studies, etc.

This is one of the 2 bedrooms of the kids upstairs---basically both look the same with the awful wallpaper. There was also some water damage upstairs as well, so once the wallpaper was down we had to have the walls all re-dry walled....so it's like new up there! And there is a half bath in between the 2 rooms--again it was all ripped out b/c of water damage & the dry wall redone. It's almost finished, but not quite ready to use. This picture doesn't do it justice but these rooms are probably 3 times bigger than the 2 tiny rooms we had at our rental house---so great for them to have so much more room to play in and spread out! But on the flip side our master is downstairs and is probably on smallest room yet of all 5 houses we've lived in. Our furniture fits so that is all that matters. As I found in our last house with the gigantic bedroom it just became a breeding zone to collect piles and piles of stuff, that was so unorganized! So I'm hoping the less space for us the better--as there is no extra room to put anything that doesn't belong in there! So below here is our room---also had to remove wallpaper and has now been painted. Trying to figure out how to dress the windows still......

More to come soon!

Luke 2

2011-01-04T21:12:00.001-05:00

So all of December we worked on memorizing the passage of Luke 2: 1-14. Over the past year we've worked on memorizing longer passages of scripture, as Reed has raced through the single verses I had very quickly! Last Christmas I saw another blog where this was done with young children, so I knew I wanted to try for us to do it this year, since we've been doing longer passages the past several months already. He did so good! I know this video doesn't quite do it justice because he was very silly and I had to help him-- as he was saying it very fast---but he basically got all 14 verses; so I'm finally now just posting! And I know this is really exciting for grandparents---probably not so interesting to anyone else : ) FYI: And for some reason I've uploaded multiple times & it still is not in sync with audio & video??!! Does anyone else have this problem with videos?? What am I doing wrong? I made with our photobooth & for some reason it keeps doing this. So no one may really want to watch this except grandparents!

Merry Christmas! and Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T22:50:00.004-05:00

A little out of order....but here are some of our many pictures from last week! Today is Casey's birthday! As you can see from the picture above--he is 34! He likes to remind me that I am still older as he is just now turning 34 and in October I already turned 35......ha, ha, funny isn't it

So we celebrated with a some decorations, a big meal tonight, and a cake.....Emery-Claire kept saying all day "happy birthday to me!" When I constantly reminded her "no it's Daddy's birthday." She didn't really seem to care much except for asking me for the cake! So here's to our New Year's birthday......we love you & are so thankful for you! As all day he has been working nonstop on getting our house ready to move into next weekend! Yes, next weekend we are moving it all in! I can't believe it's coming up so quickly....Wednesday my mom is meeting me to keep the kids for a few days so I can actually be productive in taking things over there. I can't wait to begin to post more pictures as it has come such a long way!

Christmas day--since we stayed put this year due to our big upcoming move! We had some dear friends also in town....so we all ate together that afternoon. Here is Reed with his big buddy, Deacon!

Emery-Claire thinks Deacon is one of her best friends too!

Christmas morning.....Mary Etta in her new chair
Reed with his new Georgia football---almost every picture I took that morning looks like this--same expression just different gift! So cute, he was just so excited!
Our one attempt at a family photo of all 5 of us........best one we got
Waking up to the presents.....so we don't make a huge deal about presents (we don't do Santa--so they know their presents are from us); the kids only get 3 each & and I had a family one (movie & game). But with Reed only being 4 and the oldest, it obviously just didn't register that this "morning" is a little different than other mornings. So they woke up at their usual time, come to me asking for breakfast, and then as we all walk out to the living room it was so cute as their eyes got so big and Reed kept saying "What!!", "What is this?!!!"--then there was laughing & giggling & running; they were so excited & full of energy! It was so cute & fun!
Some Christmas Eve pictures after our church service
Does anyone else's pictures usually end up looking like the above one?
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!! We are so thankful for all the Lord has done in our family this past year, and look forward to this new year ahead of us! What many blessings He has bestowed upon our family. May we bring Him all the glory and honor due His name--as we grow in knowing Him more & making Him known!

Christmas Program

2010-12-19T14:14:00.003-05:00

Reed had his first Christmas program this week! It was so fun to see him up on the stage (and he was on the front row too!) As you can see from my pictures our seats weren't that great too many heads and I wasn't directly in front of him, so I kept getting teachers heads, other kids, or blurry shots---oh well, these were some of the best ones I could get. I did videotape quite a bit of it too. I have never been able to download directly from our video camera to the computer, so I may try, but not sure if I'll get it or not. So for now the pictures will have to do.
Smiling so big! He did so great & we were so proud of him! He sang along and belted out every song they sang! And they did about 5....as you can see his side profile below very into his singing!

A Growing Girl

2010-12-18T22:54:00.002-05:00

this week our sweet, sweet Mary Etta turned 17 months!!! How are we almost to a year & a half old already??!! She is just growing & doing so many fun new things. I'm realizing in the craziness of 2 other children, moving, & just life in general I have got to record these things so I don't forget! So this may be boring for most of you....so you can skip this post unless you're a grandparent---who always loves hearing these milestones too!

saying so many things these days (I almost don't know if I can remember them all at this exact minute) but some new ones I've noticed are: "men" (as she folds her hands for the start of the family prayer at meal time and then tries to join in the 'amen' at the end), baby--all the time! upon seeing pictures, playing with dolls (which she'll just be like her big sister as she is carrying them all over the house), of course Daddy, Mama, bye-bye, uh-oh, shoe, ball (are still heard often in the day too)---there may be more I just can't think of them all right now
loves music!! she is into musical toys and books and will press the buttons over & over again to bob her head & shake her body to the music as she dances
loves fingerplays too---shakes her little finger for "this little light of mine" all the time for us to sing it to her! and even tries to join in on the "mine" and "no".......as well as playing peak-a-boo (she just smiles & giggles as we say where is Mary Etta)
chasing her brother & sister! she just thinks it's the funniest thing for her to chase them or for them to chase her---even though the loud screams seem so loud in our tiny house, it still is so sweet to see them having so much fun together
she loves doing the Catechisms! i think awhile back i may have posted (maybe i did, maybe not??) that at 14 months she started answering the 1st question of "who made you?" and she would (and still does) say "Ga" for God; now for the next one "what else did God make?" she opens her hands out wide (as I modeled this for her for some time now) for 'all things'
she love to be held, snuggled....such the baby of the family! and loves if you're on the floor to sit in your lap....she does the 'back up' (where she backs into our lap); she'll occasionally wake up in the late evening or even the middle of the night---nothing on a consistent basis, but just sometimes....and after cuddled will go on back to bed & sleep fine; she does tend to be our light sleeper, so when we move in a few weeks she will continue to have her own room for now until she is a little older
she's such a sweet, sweet baby girl.....and we are ever so thankful for her---our little "surprise" of a blessing, that i found out about just a little over 2 years ago.....i didn't know how i would do it with 3 children under the age of 3, but somehow the Lord has sustained us all---some days harder than others, but only by His grace indeed!!!

I have more pics to upload from some fun things this week, but was too tired to do it. This post is mainly for me to record about Mary Etta. Be back soon!

Sisters

2010-12-13T00:10:00.003-05:00

Can really have lots of fun together, having tea parties, playing with dolls, just doing lots of girly things! I'm so glad it seems that these 2 (just barely 14 months apart) are really beginning to adore each other! It is fun to watch the two of them interact & engage with one another. Of course right now Mary Etta still doesn't have many words in edgewise--compared to her very chatty big sister, but I know before long it will seriously be non-stop chatter around here! Oh how different boys are for sure! But I do love having both & experiencing their many differences, a blessing indeed!

Christmas Time is Here......

2010-12-08T14:53:00.004-05:00

Enjoying our first snowfall here this past weekend!!

Isn't that the line to one of the songs in Charlie Brown Christmas? I believe so......as I should know since I think I can quote that movie right now--as when give the option to watch a movie, that is ALWAYS the top choice these days! We are Charlie Browned out around here!! We have a book, the movie, my mom even found a CB tree they can put in their room---they love it! We have also been working on some new scripture memory--we're trying to memorize part of Luke 2 for this advent season (and Reed likes to always tell us that is what Linus says). Anyways, lots of Christmas around here....we decorated this past weekend (still with our artificial tree--boo :(

I had hopes for a real tree this year since we are not traveling, but with all our house preparation going on Casey hasn't been home much, so basically there is no time to go in search for a real tree. Maybe one of these Christmas's we'll get to it. We've been doing our advent calendar (thanks to my friend Rebekah with her wonderful list of verses & symbols--they look forward to it EVERY NITE!!! And just lots of music and singing.....we did a white elephant gift exchange with my family when we were together at Thanksgiving & I've been (well we all have been since it's in the car & the kids ask for it constantly!) enjoying my new CD (thanks Sarah & Rusty :) Dave is a good friend of theirs.....& I love the sound as it reminds me of my Harry Connick Jr. Christmas cd. That's all for now, as I'm off to be productive while it's still naptime.....because I'm sure as soon as I do I will hear little people waking up :)

Free Christmas Cards!

2010-11-29T20:07:00.004-05:00

So as I've expressed many times before I LOVE pictures, taking them, trying to be creative with them, etc. etc! And this time of the year is my favorite to receive all the fun cards in the mail, with all those adorable pictures all of my friends & family taken of their loved ones! Shutterfly is my main source of uploading pictures and online photo storage--they are the best! I've been using them since Reed was born--so over 4 years now, and I've loved all they have to offer! I've made birth announcements, birthday invitations, calendars, photo books--and they have all turned out so cute! So how excited I was to hear they are offering free Christmas cards! I've already been scanning through to find my favorite--which is hard because I love so many of them. Here are some of the ones I've been looking at.

I love this card

and this one

I also love making our parents a calendar like this, so I've been working on that. These are really cute if you're looking for a party invitation

And I did make a cute Mother's Day card like some of these

We love Shutterfly! They are great & always have such great products!

Turkey Week

2010-11-29T14:30:00.007-05:00

Reed at his Thanksgiving feast at school earlier in the week.

We did lots of this.....

and this...

Fun times with cousins

Daddy & his girl

This week....

2010-11-20T14:24:00.003-05:00

we've played outside, a little cooler weather & some rainy days here; I've been practicing more with the camera--some shots are good, some not so good--I think this manual thing is sure hard to keep straight; and we've been working, working, working (or rather Casey has been--because we sure haven't seen him much at all this week) on our house! Most everything has been ripped out that is going to be ripped out, we have a HUGE dumpster in our yard for all the trash, drywall got put upstairs in kids bedrooms and hallway, wallpaper being removed in our bedroom & bath--almost ready for painting, & my stepdad is here as I type this so he & Casey can get ready to start laying some tile--so we are moving along!! I really can't believe we are doing this, but we are! Crazy!! I think it's going to feel like a blurr to enjoy Thanksgiving & Christmas this year with all of this over our heads--but amongst the stress we are excited & thankful too!